Srinagar: The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) Saturday issued a detailed advisory to safeguard the public, particularly high-risk groups, during the winter season.
The advisory outlines potential health risks, symptoms and measures to mitigate the impact of extreme cold weather.
The advisory defines a cold wave as a weather phenomenon marked by a significant drop in air temperature, sometimes accompanied by frost and hazardous conditions like icing.
DHSK urged people to stay updated and adequately prepared about the weather patterns and district-specific warnings.
Among those identified as high-risk groups are homeless individuals, the elderly, economically disadvantaged people, disabled individuals, pregnant and lactating mothers, children, outdoor workers, managers of night shelters, farmers, and individuals who use illicit drugs. “These groups are particularly vulnerable to the adverse health effects of prolonged exposure to extreme cold.”
The DHSK further warned that intense cold can lead to serious health conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related injuries like immersion foot and chilblain.
“Hypothermia, a medical emergency, can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Symptoms of hypothermia in adults include shivering, memory loss, exhaustion, slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness, and fumbling hands,” it reads.
The advisory further reads that among the infants, it manifests as bright red, cold skin and low energy.
It further stressed upon the importance of immediate action, including moving the affected person to a warm shelter, removing wet clothing, and warming their body with blankets or skin-to-skin contact. Emergency medical attention is essential for severe cases.
DHSK has recommended several preventive measures to prepare for and combat the cold wave. These include stocking adequate winter clothing and emergency supplies such as food, water, and medicines.
“People are advised to wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing, cover extremities like the head, neck, hands, and feet, and eat a healthy diet rich in Vitamin-C to boost immunity. Drinking warm fluids regularly and keeping the skin moisturized is also advised to maintain body heat and protect against dryness,” it reads.
DHSK in the advisory urged the public to avoid prolonged exposure to cold. It also asked the public to refrain from consuming alcohol and not ignore signs of shivering, which indicates the body is losing heat.
The directorate further asked the locals to remain vigilant for symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia and suggested to seek medical attention immediately if such symptoms occur
