Frost in Britain down to -15°C: how extreme cold affects health.

According to The Sun: Britain woke up to a blanket of snowfall and freezing temperatures this morning, with the mercury dropping to a bitter -15C and expected to stay low until Tuesday.

Met Office forecasters have issued yellow weather warnings for snow, ice, and fog across the UK as temperatures are set to plunge to -10C in the coming days.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging people to check on vulnerable friends and family during the cold weather to ensure they have access to warm food and drinks, especially for those over 65 with underlying health conditions.

Main health dangers of cold weather

• Winter Vagina: Winter habits like hot baths, heavy clothing, and dry air from central heating can upset the vaginal microbiome, leading to infections and discomfort.
• Blood Clots: Sudden temperature changes in winter can increase the risk of dangerous blood clots, especially for people with respiratory tract infections.
• Incontinence: Cold weather can affect the pelvic floor, causing issues with incontinence due to increased blood pressure and frequent urination.
• The Flu: The flu cases are expected to rise during the winter months, so it is important to get vaccinated to protect against flu-related symptoms worsened by cold weather.
• Mood Changes: Winter months can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), affecting mood, appetite, and sleep due to lack of sunlight.
• Asthma: Winter poses risks for people with asthma due to cold weather, colds, and flu triggering life-threatening asthma attacks. Proper inhaler use and indoor activities are recommended.
• Heart Attacks: Cold weather increases the likelihood of heart attacks as the body responds to chilly temperatures by restricting blood vessels, putting extra stress on the heart.
• Flaky Scalp: The colder weather, central heating, and dietary changes in winter can lead to dandruff due to an imbalance in the scalp’s microbiome, causing itching and flakes.