Cold weather can pose serious public health risks, causing ‘excess’ deaths in winter compared with the rest of the year. This is because cold weather can contribute to hypothermia, falls and injuries, heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases and flu, mental health problems, such as depression, and carbon monoxide poisoning from poorly maintained or poorly ventilated boilers, cooking and heating appliances.
Those most vulnerable to cold weather include:
• Older people
• Very young children
• People with pre-existing medical conditions
• Those whose health, housing or economic circumstances put them at greater risk of harm.
Cold-related illnesses and severe cold weather can place particular pressure on hospitals, emergency departments and GP surgeries.
For more information visit: Extreme cold weather