Cold weather weakens the body's immunity, making it harder for the immune system to combat illnesses and maintain balance. It has been found that cold weather can increase the chances of developing a range of "deadly" conditions as immunity decreases.
1. **Blood Clots**: Sudden changes in temperature cause thermal stress on the body, which has to work harder to maintain a stable temperature. Research shows that this increases the likelihood of serious blood clots during winter. Authors of a study from a hospital in Nice, France, noted that respiratory infections are more common in winter and may make patients more susceptible to blood clots. They also suggested that cold weather may cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing the risk of blood clots. According to Stop The Clot, signs of blood clots in the leg or arm include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Warm skin texture
- Redness or discoloration of the skin
Signs of blood clots in the lungs include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or lying down
- Coughing or coughing up blood
- Heartbeat that is faster than usual or irregular
2. **Flu**: Experts warn that flu cases worsen in the winter months, and cold weather can exacerbate the symptoms of the common seasonal illness. Symptoms of the flu are similar to those of a severe cold. The National Health Service states that this includes a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher. A high temperature is also a symptom of "COVID-19," but experts indicate that this symptom has become less likely to appear with the "Omicron" variant. When infected with influenza, the patient will experience body aches and a dry cough, and may also face difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and feeling unwell.
3. **Asthma**: Experts say that winter can be a dangerous time for individuals with asthma, as cold weather, colds, influenza, chest infections, and mold are more prevalent and can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks. They explained that these attacks cause bronchial inflammation, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, wheezing when breathing, and difficulty breathing. Experts recommend carrying an inhaler at all times and using a scarf, which can also save your life, advising: "Cover with a scarf: Wrap a loose scarf around your nose and mouth to help warm the air before inhaling it, as cold air is another trigger for an asthma attack." According to the National Health Service, the main symptoms of asthma include:
- Wheezing (whistling sound when breathing)
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Coughing
4. **Heart Attacks**: A recent study revealed that people exposed to cold weather are at a higher risk of heart attacks. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden found that the average number of heart attacks per day was significantly higher when the weather was cold compared to when it was warm. Daily results indicate that there were four additional heart attack cases per day when the average temperature was below freezing. The risk of heart attacks is believed to be greater in cold weather because the body responds to the feeling of cold by constricting surface blood vessels. This reduces skin temperature and increases blood flow through the arteries. The body also starts to shiver, and your heart rate increases to keep you warm. However, these responses can place additional strain on your heart. According to the National Health Service, symptoms of a heart attack can include:
- Pain in the chest, a sensation of pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest
- Pain in other parts of the body: such as pain that spreads from the chest to the arms (usually affecting the left arm, but can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back, or abdomen
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Feelings of nausea or vomiting
- An overwhelming feeling of anxiety (similar to a panic attack)
- Coughing or wheezing
While chest pain is often severe, some people may only experience mild sensations, such as indigestion. Although chest pain is the most common symptom in both men and women, women are more likely to experience other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the back or jaw.
