The bitter cold of winter brings biting winds, making it a high-risk period for various illnesses—particularly influenza, asthma, heart attacks, and strokes. It is crucial to take preventive measures during this time to avoid falling ill and safely navigate the entire winter season.
What health issues require prevention during severe winter?
1. Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases
Cold exposure causes systemic vasoconstriction, elevating blood pressure and accelerating heart rate. This triggers myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, increases blood viscosity, and promotes thrombus formation. Consequently, winter often exacerbates cardiovascular conditions, with sudden blood pressure spikes potentially inducing stroke;Coronary artery spasm may also trigger myocardial infarction. Additionally, cold exposure dries nasal and pharyngeal mucosa, causing micro-tears that allow pathogens to invade, leading to respiratory infections. Sudden temperature drops can also trigger asthma.
2. Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Southern residents lacking adequate insulation and awareness of cold protection are prone to frostbite. They should closely monitor weather forecasts and layer clothing accordingly. While northern residents have heating systems, they must actively prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by leaving doors and windows slightly open at night.
3. Prevent Hypothermia
Elderly individuals experience organ decline, reduced activity levels, and slower metabolism, resulting in diminished heat production and poor temperature regulation. They are prone to shivering in cold environments, which can lead to hypothermia. Additionally, infants, pregnant women, postpartum individuals, those with cardiovascular diseases, and people who have consumed alcohol are also susceptible to hypothermia.Hypothermia occurs when heat loss exceeds heat production, causing vital organs like the head, neck, heart, brain, and lungs to cool. This leads to cardiovascular and respiratory failure, severe shivering, and can even be fatal.Furthermore, low body temperature impairs cognitive function, hindering timely protective measures. This lack of awareness makes hypothermia particularly dangerous. Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, physical exhaustion, shivering, memory loss, and drowsiness. In infants and young children, hypothermia may manifest as chills and bright red skin.If these symptoms occur alongside a body temperature below 35°C (95°F), seek immediate medical attention. If prompt medical care is unavailable, immediately improve the environment: raise room temperature, remove wet clothing, and apply warm water bottles to core areas like the chest, groin, and neck. Consuming hot beverages or warm water can also help raise core temperature, but avoid any alcoholic drinks.Do not force-feed food or water to an unconscious patient, as this may cause choking or aspiration into the lungs, leading to suffocation. However, even if symptoms improve, further hospital examination and treatment are essential—never become complacent.
Friendly Reminder
Comprehensive care is essential during severe winter cold. Individuals working or living outdoors for extended periods in frigid regions should actively prevent frostbite and protect their joints to avoid triggering back/leg pain or rheumatic diseases.Additionally, monitor cold wave alerts and adjust personal warmth accordingly with temperature changes, ensuring adequate indoor heating. Seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of discomfort. When going outdoors, protect hands, face, waist, and neck from the cold. Households using coal stoves for heating must guard against carbon monoxide poisoning. Engage in regular physical exercise during sunny periods to enhance cold tolerance.