The prolonged cold climate experienced by many countries due to winter is bringing new health threats that may lead to hospitalizations and clinic consultations. This time of the year, it is typical to have frostbites and hypothermia, but with the prolonged winter, it may lead to other serious diseases.
Aside from viral diseases, there are many conditions that are made worse by the cold climate. Viruses can withstand extreme temperatures like winter and as the immune systems of people start to wear down during this season, these micro-ogranisms may take advantage. NHS Choices lists down the ten most common diseases during winter namely: colds, sore throat, asthma, norovirus, painful joints, cold sores, heart attacks, cold hands, dry skin, and flu.
Additionally, the dry air that thins out the protective mucus coatings of the body may lead to vulnerability to a lot of respiratory diseases. Dr. Karen Russell, an internal medicine doctor for Henry Ford Health System told Freep, "It's that perfect storm."
She is working in a clinic and she said that she has seen a lot of patients as hosts of various respiratory illnesse from simple colds to bronchitis, flu and pneumonia. Another condition is called Chillblains, which is due to exposure of the feet and hands to sweaty boots. It is characterized as a painful inflammation in the small blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Also, when moist skin is warmed abruptly, it may cause a rash on the parts of the body and if not treated promptly, it may cause infection.
However, hypothermia is a dangerous condition that may lead to death if left untreated. Frostbite and hypothermia cases are abundant this time of the year. According to medical director of Lakes urgent Care in West Bloomfield, Dr. Sanford Vieder, "This is due to insufficient shoes, gloves and outerwear during winter."
Frostbites can be dangerous too. One of their cases was a driver who needed to remove ice from his car tires. He shoveled the ice without gloves and he suddenly lost feeling in his fingers. "He may never regain full sensation in his hands," Vieder said.
NHS recommends may helpful advice to prevent these tricky diseases this winter. For common colds, it can be prevented by washing the hands regularly since it is usually caused by a virus and it will go on its own. Meanwhile, gargling with warm water with salt is very effective for sore throats.
Meanwhile, it is almost inevitable to prevent asthma during winter. The best way to prevent it is to regularly take medications and keep inhalers nearby. Norovirus is commonly known as the winter vomiting bug that can lead to dehydration. Drinking lots of fluids can help prevent complications.