As kids, we all rolled our eyes when our parents asked us to put on an extra layer on our way out the door. It seemed like a burden to ruin the outfit you had just picked out. Protecting yourself from the cold not only ensures that you are comfortable while spending time outdoors, but has other benefits that can help prevent you from getting sick as the seasons change.
Does the Cold Make You Sick?
Contrary to popular belief, exposure to the cold does not actually cause a specific illness. Although it may make your nose run, exposure to the cold does not directly cause any specific illness. Instead, the risk associated with exposing yourself to the cold through improper layering is caused by the way that extreme cold weakens your immune system.
Rather than reserving your immune system’s strength for fighting off viruses, exposure to the cold points all of your body’s resources inwards to shiver and try to warm your body. This leaves your body susceptible to contracting illnesses such as viruses that cause the cold and the flu, because your body’s defense system is busy. To learn about the common conditions treated at urgent care this time of year, visit our services page.
Conditions Caused by Exposure to Cold Temperatures
There are also a few other ways that lacking the proper layers for the weather can impact your health. One major way that cold temperatures can impact you is by failing to cover your extremities such as your fingers, toes and ears in extreme cold. Failing to do so can leave you susceptible to developing frostbite. Frostbite occurs when your skin freezes due to exposure to cold weather. This only can occur in freezing temperatures that are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it does not take very long for frostbite to take over, so it is important to wear the proper protective layers such as gloves, wool socks and ear protection when exposed to cold temperatures.
Symptoms that indicate you are experiencing frostbite:
- Cold and pain in extremities
- Numbness
- Pins and needles
- Skin that is red or purple or blistering
Gradual warming can help reverse the damage caused by mild frostbite, but severe frostbite can have permanent lasting effects if not treated immediately. If you think you may be suffering from hyperthermia, you should seek medical treatment at the emergency room.
How to Layer for Cold Weather
Hypothermia occurs when your body loses temperature faster than your body can warm itself. This is a very serious medical condition that requires immediate intervention. It can be life threatening if not treated. Although it sounds extreme, hypothermia can occur slowly due to poor layering in your day to day life if you spend too much time inadequately protected while outside in cold weather.
Key layering tips include:
- Always packing extra layers to use incase of a sudden change in the weather
- Using synthetic materials as your first layer, such as polyester or nylon
- Having a waterproof outer layer to protect your clothing from getting wet
- Always keep a pair of gloves or mittens in your outer layers so that you never are left without them
- Focus on moisture wicking materials to avoid sweat from compromising your warmth
It is important to be prepared when the weather gets cold. Even if you don’t anticipate being outside for long periods of time, emergencies happen unexpectedly and being caught without proper layers can lead to serious medical complications.
Get General Illness Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst
If you were caught without proper layers while outside in the cold and have caught an illness, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to keeping your symptoms manageable and treating them as quickly as possible. Our medical professionals can help provide quick diagnosis and treatment through our walk-in clinic. If you’re unsure whether you should visit, you can speak to our team directly by calling (201) 345-3839.
