What are the health effects of extremely cold weather?
Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can lead to hypothermia, when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, disorientation, fatigue, and slurred speech. Severe hypothermia can even be fatal.
Respiratory problems: Cold air can aggravate respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. These conditions can progress rapidly and lead to chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing.
Heart problems: Cold temperatures can cause vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), increasing heart rate and blood pressure. This can put stress on the cardiovascular system, especially in people with pre-existing heart disease, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Impact on mental health: Cold spells combined with overcast weather and less sunlight can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This can lead to feelings of depression, fatigue and lack of motivation.
Risk of infection: Prolonged exposure to cold weather can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of respiratory infections such as flu and colds.
Things to keep in mind when going out in the cold
To ensure your health when going out in cold weather in winter, you need to keep in mind the following:
Wear layers of clothing to keep warm and protect against cold.
Cover fingers, toes, ears and nose.
Limit exposure to low temperatures and do not stay outdoors for too long.
Keep your body dry to avoid losing heat through wet clothing.
Keep moving to generate heat for the body, avoid overexertion.
Stay updated with weather forecasts and plan your activities accordingly to avoid being affected by cold spells.
