Preventing Cold-Related Diseases in Early Winter

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has announced the need for special attention to manage health in early winter, including cold-related diseases, as the daily temperature range has increased and morning temperatures have fallen below freezing this month.

Cold illness refers to hypothermia, frostbite, and chilblains that are directly caused by the cold. If the response is inadequate, it can lead to casualties.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration’s forecast, temperatures are expected to be lower than average next month due to the frequent influence of cold air, making thorough preparations for cold-related diseases necessary.

Vulnerable Groups

The elderly and children are more vulnerable to maintaining body temperature than adults, so they should refrain from outdoor activities during cold waves and pay attention to keeping warm. Even if you live indoors with inadequate heating, you should be careful of cold-related illnesses.

Health Risks in Winter

In winter, blood vessels constrict and blood pressure rises, so myocardial infarction and stroke among cardiovascular diseases occur frequently. In addition, the number of flu patients increases significantly due to dry and cold air, and the symptoms of patients with respiratory diseases worsen as the bronchi constrict due to cold and dry air.

Drinking too much alcohol can cause your body temperature to rise and then drop rapidly, and you should be careful as the ligaments and tendons around the joints become stiff and can easily be damaged by even a small impact.

Emergency Room Surveillance System

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency plans to operate the ‘Cold Disease Emergency Room Surveillance System’ from the 1st of next month to February 28th of next year to quickly identify health damage caused by the winter cold wave.

Director Ji Young-mi of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, “Please pay attention to the cold wave special warning and ask the elderly, children, and people with underlying diseases who are vulnerable to the cold to follow health rules.”