Feeling under the weather? It could have something to do with where you live.
According to data from Marian University, certain cities—and therefore, their residents—are much more likely to catch a cold than others.
As for how they figured that out? In short, the researchers surmised that the most susceptible cities would have a combination of population density, low humidity and precipitation levels, cold(er) temperatures, and poor air quality since these factors contribute to higher virus transmission.
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That doesn’t mean New York City is at the top of the list, though (which, I’ll be honest, is what I immediately assumed): Factors like low flu vaccination rates, high uninsured populations, and limited access to healthcare played a major part, too.
The Marion authors also considered each city’s population of children under 14 (since they’re so much more prone to getting sick), the ratio of population to primary care physicians, how much sunlight each city sees annually and the overall self-reported well-being of adults—as well as ample leisurely time. Here’s what they concluded.
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Top 5 Cities Where You’re Least Likely to Catch a Cold
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- San Jose, California
A combination of low population density, uninsured residents, high vaccination rates, warm climates, and high ratios of primary care physicians put these five cities at the top of the list.
North Carolina is pulling in strong, too, since it’s also home to the 7th and 11th healthiest cities: Durham and Greensboro.
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On the contrary, here’s what they found in terms of where you’re most likely to fall ill.
Top 5 Cities You’re Most Likely to Catch a Cold
- Bakersfield, California
- McAllen, Texas
- El Paso, Texas
- Philadelphia, Pennyslvania
- Las Vegas, Nevada
Factors such as low flu vaccination rates, dry climate, poor air quality, and significant populations under the age of 14 put these five cities at the other end of the list.
Unfortunately (I say as someone born and raised in Los Angeles), California is also home to 6, 9, and 11 on this list: Fresno, Riverside, and Stockton. California, come on!
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Otherwise, Chicago, Illinois ranks at number 6 for most likely to catch a cold, while Los Angeles and New York City rank at 22 and 33, respectively.
Hm…do we sense a mass migration from California to North Carolina coming soon?
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Sources
- “U.S. Cities Where You’re Most Likely to Catch a Cold.” Marian University.
