COLD SNAP HEALTH Experts Say It Is Vital To Cover Skin During Bitter, Cold Weather
Reported by: Kristin Keeling
Videographer: Bob Frank
Web Producer: Jeff Morris
Reported: Jan. 23, 2013 11:25 AM EST
Updated: Jan. 23, 2013 12:23 PM EST
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
Much of the country is in a deep freeze this week. In West Virginia, we are seeing single digit wind chills and that cold weather could be dangerous.
Experts said it is vital to cover your skin: wear your boots, cover your head and grab your warmest winter coat.
"It's really important to trap your body heat and prevent your extremities from getting cold. Fingers and toes can be susceptible to hypothermia and even frostbite if they are exposed," said Dr. Elizabeth Brown, an internal medicine physician.
If you think the sudden drop in temperatures and the cold wind can make you sick, think again.
Brown said if you have allergies, the cold weather can help you out. "The pollen count is about nothing. We have lost a lot of the tree pollens, a lot of the rag weed is gone and the cold really tends to help people with allergies," she said.
Compared to other seasons, Brown said the cold can even keep you safe from certain viruses and bacteria. "People aren't out so much spreading it to other people in the community. When the weather is nice, people tend to share their germs a little bit more, so my hope is this cold snap will actually help us."
But this doesn't mean you are less likely to get the common cold or the flu. Experts said the flu is still lingering and it is vital to get your flu shot.
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Kristin Keeling
