Health Problems in Cold Weather & Tips to Stay Healthy During Winter

While the crisp winter air can be welcomed to chase away the sweltering humidity of the summer, it can harm your overall health. Common health problems in cold weather are heart attacks, asthma, depression, to name some. Thus, it’s crucial to take precautions to reduce your risk of those. We’ll examine the top 10 issues that make you susceptible to cold weather and offer tips on fighting back.

What diseases are caused by cold weather?

Does Cold Weather Affect Health?

Cold weather can affect your health. When the temperature drops, wintertime brings an increase in weather-related health issues. According to Harvard Medical School instructor and geriatrician Dr. Suzanne Salamon, "The cold weather brings many risks, especially for older adults."

Cold weather doesn’t directly affect your chance of catching a virus. However, it forces people to spend more time inside and in close contact with each other. This allows viruses to spread quickly.

Negative effects of cold weather

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated that dry winter air is ideal for the flu virus to survive and transmit. 

Besides, research suggests that cold temperatures make the flu virus’ coating tougher, so it is easily transmitted in the winter and causes many cold-weather health risks.

Health Problems in Cold Winter

Take a close look at the following health issues in cold weather and valuable tips to prevent them:

Flu

It’s easier to get sick with flu viruses during the winter months. Cold temperatures, lack of sunlight, and different lifestyles are the primary contributing factors. 

To prevent spreading the flu virus, you should wash your hands and get a flu shot.

Health problems in cold weather you should be aware

Asthma Attacks

Asthma is one of the most common health problems in cold weather. If you plan on going out in the elements, cover your nose and mouth with a mask or scarf to prevent breathing in cold, dry air. 

To stay fit in the winter, you can exercise indoors instead of outdoors. As we discussed in the previous post, there are many benefits to exercising in winter. 

Asthma attacks

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is among the winter health concerns caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Its symptoms are likely like the flu: fever, muscle aches, dry cough, and fatigue. 

An annual influenza vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent pneumonia. 

Pneumonia

Heart Attacks

The temperature drop causes blood vessels to narrow, raising the risk of a heart attack. 

Hence, it’s essential to keep warm outside by wearing a hat, gloves, and a warm coat. Exercising is crucial, but avoid doing any strenuous activity outdoors, such as shoveling snow, as it can pressure your heart.

Heart Attacks

Sore throat

Viruses, dry air, or pollution can cause a sore throat. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and sneezing. 

Hand washing is the most effective approach to shielding yourself against the bacteria that cause sore throats. To further prevent irritation to your throat, abstain from smoking and secondhand smoke.

Sore throat

Dry Skin

Winter sets in with cold weather and low humidity, which can suck the moisture from your skin and leave it dull. So, skincare in winter is essential to make your skin glow and fresh. 

Apart from drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily, you should use a moisturizer with an oil base to block evaporation and a humidifier to replenish moisture. Avoid strong soap and hot water as they may remove the oil needed for your skin. 

Find out some winter skin care tips in our blog!

Dry skin

Hypothermia

When it comes to cold temperature health risks, hypothermia cannot be ignored. The chances of hypothermia are high in cold temperatures, especially for the old due to prolonged exposure to mild cold. 

If you're going outside, dress warmly and be aware of signs such as stiffness in your neck, arms, and legs.  

Hypothermia

Weight gain

Cold and unruly weather can be an excuse for reduced exercise and oversleeping. Moreover, the numbers on the scale will likely rise because of rich holiday foods and gatherings. 

To fight weight gain, get at least 30 minutes of exercise and avoid holiday sweets. For more details, head over to our guide to tips for exercising in cold weather!

Weight gain

Seasonal Depression

Winter has a real effect on your body and mind. Seasonal depression is one of the most common cold-weather health problems.

It can be caused by decreased sunlight and daylight hours, the loss of a loved one during the holidays, or the lack of social engagement.

Beating the winter blues is relatively easy. In addition to getting natural sunlight during the day, you should spend more time outdoors engaging in social activities.

Another important reminder is to get a sufficient amount of sleep, about eight hours, to lighten up your mood.

Seasonal depression

Indoor Allergies

In winter, people are more prone to allergies caused by dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Some typical signs of seasonal allergies are sneezing itchy eyes, and a runny nose. 

To beat them, you need to decrease your exposure to allergens and strengthen your immune system. Add probiotics to your daily regimen and eat food with less sugar.

Indoor allergies

Tips to Avoid Health Problems in Winter

You can do many things to prevent health problems in cold weather, as follows:

• Wash your hands

This is considered one of the simplest and most important ways to prevent a cold or the flu. Germs are everywhere, from tables to elevator buttons. If your fingers keep close contact with your eyes, you may be exposed to those microbes. 

Tips to avoid health problems in cold weather

• Heat the home

You are recommended to heat your home at a minimum temperature of 18°C, at which we feel changes in the body. So, temperatures above this are best to protect your health.

• Exercise

Moving around can help, as it keeps the blood flowing throughout the body, preventing clotting. If you’ve ever sat still for any prolonged period, you’ll know you feel the cold more acutely. 

If you can’t move around, wiggle your toes and fingers. It may not sound like much, but even small measures like this can help keep you warm and well.

• Stay up to date with weather forecasts 

To prevent cold weather problems, check the weather forecast as a habit. If you know a spell of cold is on the way, do what you can to prepare for it. Doing so can minimize exposure to icy conditions, lessening your chances of getting ill. 

GoWeatherForecast is an online weather forecast website

• Ensure adequate nutrition

Food is an energy source needed to keep the body warm in winter. Therefore, to keep your body warm, you should eat enough meals and get the necessary nutrients.

The amount of food provided will help the calorie-burning process run smoothly, creating conditions for constant heat generation for the body. 

Food also provides necessary energy through the amount of sugar absorbed, increasing the ability to stay warm in cold weather. 

Dairy products affect your congestion and ability to fight viruses, so cut back on them.

• Get a flu vaccine

Flu is a contagious disease that can quickly become an epidemic. It can lead to complications such as sinus infections, ear infections, and pneumonia. Therefore, health experts recommend getting a flu shot every year.

The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect people from flu and its complications. Autumn is the best time to get the vaccine, but you can get it later.

 Tips to prevent cold weather health problems

• Dress properly

It’s best to wear several layers of lightweight and warm clothing, which allows you to adjust as you warm up or cool down. The outer layer should be water—and wind-resistant. 

Remember your hands and head. To protect yourself from cold-weather health hazards, wear mittens, a hat, or a scarf. Also, wear sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes.

You may find these guides helpful:

• Cold weather accessories

• How to dress for cold weather

Conclusion

There are many health problems in cold weather that can be caused by multiple factors. We hope those tips mentioned above will help you boost your immune system and stay safe during winter.