Books We Love Insider Blog: immune system

Monday, July 27, 2026

The deadly shiver may not be a myth after all - by Vijaya Schartz

Award-winning series, action, adventure, alien planet, strong heroines, brave heroes
amazon - B&N - Smashwords back list - Smashwords new titles - Kobo

I follow a few scientific groups for sci-fi research and recently came upon an interesting tidbit. A study about the shiver, the frisson, the sensation crawling across your back when you are exposed to extreme cold, or when you come inside from the heat with sweat on your skin and feel the icy blast of AC as you step into the grocery store. We’ve all experienced it in this superhot summer.

As it happens, that electric sensation on the skin surface constricts the blood vessels, slows the flow of blood, and temporarily suppresses your body’s ability to fight infections…

Rapidly transitioning between hot and cold environments and inhaling dry, cold air can also stress your immune system and dry out your nasal passages. This makes it significantly easier for airborne germs to enter your body.

As a consequence, if you happen to be exposed to a dangerous virus during that vulnerable time, it will find its way inside your bloodstream and hide, waiting for a moment of weakness to attack and spread.

I live in the Arizona desert, and I never liked that goosebump sensation from hot to sudden cold. Now I understand why. My body was telling me it wasn’t good for me. It’s why I keep my AC on the warmer side at home.

Scary, I know.

Action adventure on a space station with telepathic cats
amazon - B&N - Smashwords back list - Smashwords new titles - Kobo

The studies do not mention the poetic frisson or the thrilling shiver you experience while reading a book, however. That’s good news.

Stay safe out there in the summer heat. And if you are relaxing at the beach or enjoying the AC inside, I recommend a few feel good action novels like these: