Cold weather has caused disruption across the UK this week, with snow and ice resulting in closures of roads and schools, as well as travel delays and cancellations.
The UK recorded temperatures as low as -13.3°C in Loch Glascarnoch in Scotland on Sunday night.
For older or vulnerable people, exposure to the cold can pose significant health risks and could even result in heart attacks, strokes, or pneumonia, according to The Met Office.
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During colder months, our bodies fight a constant battle to keep our internal temperature at around 37.5°C. But exposure to the cold have a detrimental impact on our health, and here are some examples of how.
Winter bugs
Seasonal viruses that cause cold and flu are more common in winter for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, we’re spending more time indoors and in close contact with other people, which can accelerate the spread of viruses.
We also get less Vitamin D in winter due to a lack of sunlight. Vitamin D helps to support the healthy function of the immune system, so we might be more prone to catching winter bugs without it.
“Cold air can dry out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat, reducing their ability to trap and fight off bacteria and viruses,” explains Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical. This means that cold temperatures also impact our body’s ability to fight off infection.
NHS figures show that hospital admissions from flu in England have quadrupled since last month and are continuing to rise.
The NHS therefore advises those who are vulnerable to get both the NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines and to keep warm over the winter months.
Hospital admissions from flu are on the rise in England -Credit:PA
Those most vulnerable from cold weather include:
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People aged 65 and older
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Babies and children under the age of 5
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People on a low income (so cannot afford heating)
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People who have a long-term health condition
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People with a disability
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Pregnant women
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People who have a mental health condition
Heart health
According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), cold weather can impact heart health as blood vessels narrow in response to a loss of heat in the body. This causes:
For those living with a heart condition, this can put extra strain on the heart and could potentially worsen symptoms.
The BHF advises that people with heart conditons spend less time outdoors during extreme cold weather and to wrap up warm during the winter months.
Blood clots
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says that cold weather can cause blood clots as our blood becomes thicker at lower temperatures. This is one of the reasons why the NHS sees more heart attacks and strokes following cold snaps.
To reduce the risk of clots, the UKHSA advises people to move around in the cold to stimulate blood flow. If you’re unable to move around, wiggling fingers and toes can promote warmth and help lower the risk.
Falls due to snow and ice can lead to lengthy hospital stays -Credit:Getty Images
Accidents
During winter, the ground is often wet and slippery due to falling leaves, ice or snow. These hazards can cause people to fall. The NHS says that falls are one of the main causes of older people attending accident and emergency departments
Falls can sometimes lead to lengthy hospital stays and have long-term negative effects on health, so it is important for all those at risk of falls to take extra care.