Date:- 07-01-2023
Watsupptoday Desk

The cold wave continues to grip north and northwest India with temperatures dipping as below as 1.8 degrees Celsius in Delhi's Ayanagar. With an uptick in cases of seasonal flu and common cold, there are certain things to keep in mind to protect yourself from the chilly weather and boost your immunity.

Dr Neetu Jain, Senior Consultant, Pulmonary & Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, told India Today that the first thing that happens during a cold wave is that the body slips into a state of hypothermia. This situation happens when you are exposed to cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time and your body begins to lose heat faster.

WEAR MULTIPLE LAYERS
It is important to cover yourself well in layers, rather than wearing one heavy layer. Don't wear tight clothes. Your clothes should be loose, which are might better and breathable than tight-fitted clothes, and opt for multiple layers like thermals, sweaters and a jacket.

KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED
She added that during a cold wave, people tend to get dehydrated very quickly because they drink less water. They try to drink very cold water, which is not advisable. Drink warm liquids, eat a lot of fruit and eat some semi-solid dishes like khichdi or dalia to keep yourself hydrated.NO FIREPLACE INSIDE THE HOUSE

Don't keep a fireplace in the house. As much as some people tend to make bonfires at home with doors and windows closed, Dr Jain cautioned that it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't burn anything to keep you warm inside the house. People often burn bonfires or angithi in their houses where there are chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. People even close the windows and it could be dangerous.

CARE FOR THE ELDERLY

The elderly suffer the most in cold weather. "Take care of the senior citizens at home and ensure they are consuming good amounts of fluids. If there are any symptoms of fever or lethargy, chest infection, consult a doctor," advised Dr Jain. She added that while facing a cold wave, one should wear a warm cap and globes as a person loses heat in the head and hands very quickly.

KEEP MOVING

When the weather is extremely cold, people tend to avoid any sort of activity. "You must move around, sitting makes you feel colder. You can even develop clots in your legs if there's not much movement. But while you're moving around, you shouldn't get exhausted due to too much activity. If you're doing any work outside and feel exhausted, it's time to come back in and take a break.

FOODS
It is important to consume lots of fluids like soups in winter. "Have warmer foods like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, sesame seeds and jaggery (if you're not diabetic). Jaggery is a great source of iron," .She further advised adding a bit of black pepper to your food to keep yourself warm. Having foods with high protein content like eggs on a regular basis should be ensured as well. If you're above 65 or if you have some chronic condition, you should get yourself vaccinated. Since flu is very common in winter, if you get yourself vaccinated, then you can face the cold weather with fewer infections.