Common Mistakes to Avoid During Cold Season
As the country experiences several cold fronts and marked temperature drops during nights, health authorities warn that not only does the cold pose a risk, but also poorly applied daily practices that can exacerbate respiratory illnesses or create hazards at home, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions.
Most Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Believing one thick garment is enough
- -Not covering head, hands, ears, and neck
- -Going out without protecting mouth and nose
- -Wearing tight or wet clothing
- -Not changing children after playing when they sweat
- Switching from heat to cold without protection
- Keeping the house closed all day
- Using fireplaces or braziers indoors
- -Sleeping with heaters on
- -Drying clothes over stoves
- -Placing heaters near curtains
- Not drinking water because “it doesn’t warm you up”
- Self-medicating for cold or cough
- Neglecting hygiene
- Ignoring vulnerable individuals
- Underestimating road risks
- Thinking “it’s not that cold”
One common mistake is dressing with a single very thick jacket. Experts recommend the “layering method”: wearing multiple layers of clothing to better conserve heat and adapt to temperature changes.
Frequently entering and exiting heated or air-conditioned places to the outdoors can irritate respiratory tracts and facilitate infections. Covering mouth and nose when going outside helps prevent cold air from directly entering the lungs.
Closing windows for days to keep out the cold hinders ventilation and encourages virus and contaminant accumulation. It is recommended to ventilate the home at least twice a day for a few minutes.
This is one of the most dangerous mistakes during winter. Using charcoal, fireplaces, stoves, or gas heaters without proper ventilation can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, an invisible gas that can be fatal.
Even in winter, dehydration occurs. Not consuming liquids affects body temperature regulation and weakens the immune system.
Taking medications without medical evaluation can complicate diagnosis and hide symptoms of more serious illnesses. If fever or discomfort persists, consult a doctor.
Touching eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands, not washing hands, and not cleaning commonly used surfaces increases respiratory infections.
Children under 5 years old, the elderly, pregnant women, and chronic patients are more sensitive to cold. Exposing them to low temperatures or drafts can have severe consequences.
Fog, rain, ice, or freezing rain make roads slippery. Driving carelessly or without checking the vehicle is a frequent error.
Even in cities without snow, morning temperatures can be low enough to affect health, especially in high-altitude areas or with wind.
Health Authorities’ Recommendations
To reduce winter-related illnesses and accidents, health authorities advise:
- -Get vaccinated against flu and COVID
- -Wear multiple layers of clothing
- -Maintain proper ventilation at home
- -Drink liquids and consume fruits and vegetables
- -Cover mouth and nose when going outside
- -Avoid prolonged exposure to cold air
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How can I dress appropriately for cold weather?
- Q: What are the risks of going in and out of heated or cooled spaces?
- Q: How should I manage ventilation at home during winter?
- Q: Why is staying hydrated important in winter?
- Q: What should I do if I have cold or cough symptoms?
- Q: Who is most vulnerable to cold-related health issues?
- Q: How can I stay safe while driving in winter conditions?
- Q: Do I still need to worry about sun protection in winter?
A: Use the layering method, wearing multiple thin layers instead of one thick garment. Cover your head, hands, ears, and neck, and ensure your clothing isn’t too tight or wet.
A: Frequent transitions can irritate your respiratory tract and increase the risk of infections. Cover your mouth and nose when going outside to minimize cold air exposure.
A: Ventilate your home at least twice a day for several minutes to prevent virus and contaminant buildup.
A: Dehydration can occur in winter too, affecting body temperature regulation and weakening your immune system.
A: Avoid self-medication. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, as symptoms might indicate a more serious illness.
A: Children under 5, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions are more susceptible to cold-related health issues.
A: Drive cautiously, check your vehicle’s condition before traveling, and be aware of reduced visibility due to fog, rain, ice, or freezing rain.
A: Yes, even in winter, it’s essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Although the sun may not feel as strong, its damaging effects remain.
