As temperatures stay below freezing through the start of this week, Houstonians are at risk of getting hypothermia when spending time outside.
If you’re working outdoors, or among the older population, or a small child, this is especially concerning.
SEE ALSO: Hypothermia: Warning signs to look for during this week’s hard freeze
Warning signs include:
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Sleepiness
- Stiff muscles
- Shivering
- colder extremities will be the first thing you notice
For kids who may spend time outside waiting on a school bus in the morning (or walking to school), Pediatrician Dr. Aida Khanum from Pediatric Pod Concierge Pediatrics said to make sure you’re layering their clothes.
For older adults, internal medicine Dr. Steffanie Campbell said people can be at risk of hypothermia, even while indoors without proper heating.
“(The) elderly don’t necessarily see the signs like young people do. They start to get confused. They don’t necessarily know that their temperature is dropping. And so that can be very dangerous for them, especially outside. If they’re working, shoveling snow, scraping the ice, they don’t understand that exerting themselves is actually much more dangerous in a cold environment,” Dr. Campbell said.
How quickly can hypothermia set in?
Dr. Campbell said if you’re not adequately prepared, hypothermia can set in within 30 minutes to an hour.
Therefore, through Wednesday of this week, it’s critical to keep your skin covered and multiple layers on for warmth and protection.
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