Several areas of the U.S. are experiencingor will soon experienceridiculously cold weather.
Its so cold in some areas that several Midwest cities are experiencing temperaturesbelow what Antarctica and Alaska are experiencing.
This frigid weather is expected to march east, where it could freeze out other cities.
PeopleImages/Getty Images
Many schools are closed due to the weather, and health officials are warning people to stay indoors.
Cold weather like this can cause new health issues as well as exacerbate many chronic conditions.
Hypothermia can cause your body temperature to dip below 95 degrees, per theMayo Clinic.
At that point, your heart, nervous system, and other organs can’t work normally.
And if hypothermia is left untreated, you’re able to die.
Your body can lose heat very quickly when its that cold outside, Dr. Kman says.
Exposed skin in extreme temperatures can develop frostbite very quicklyin a matter of minutes, he says.
Pulmonary issues are also very concerning in this kind of weather, Dr. Kman says.
You will not be able to catch your breath, he adds.
That can cause people to panic (understandably) and lead to even worse symptoms.
“The cold weather takes the moisture out of the skin, causing inflammation,” he says.
“This can occur immediately after cold-weather exposure, or up to two weeks later.”
“A drop in barometric pressure can contribute to worsening joint problems, including joint swelling.”
That being said, the weather could still have an indirect effect.
If youre indoors more, the flu can find more people to infect, Dr. Adalja explains.
There are a few things you’re able to do to keep yourself safe.
Of course, stay indoors if it’s possible for you to.
If you dont have to be exposed, dont go out in it, Dr. Casciari says.
The smart thing to do is to ride it out inside.
Basically, prepare for your home to be your base of operations for a while.
If you do have to venture outside, here’s how to protect yourself.
And even when youre bundled up, you want to severely limit the amount of time you spend outside.
This is really a dangerous situation.
So take that seriously and head indoors as soon as you’ve got the option to.
People think they can tough out extreme coldthey cant, Dr. Casciari says.
