Am I At Risk?

Extreme cold and winter weather can affect anyone but some people are at greater risk than others including:

  • Babies and young children
  • Older adults
  • People who remain outdoors for long periods of time – including people experiencing homelessness, hikers, hunters, outdoor workers, and those shoveling snow.
  • People with chronic medical conditions – including heart disease, asthma and conditions that cause poor circulation like diabetes.
  • Pets

Some additional factors that might increase your risk of developing a cold-related illness include:

  • Not being properly dressed for extremely cold temperatures
  • Alcohol, nicotine, or illicit drug use

To help protect yourself and others from cold-related illnesses, know who is at higher risk, the symptoms and treatment and take action to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.

(Sources: American Heart Association, CDC, Yale Medicine)

 

 

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