It is important to distinguish between the ordinary cold temperatures typical of winter and actual cold snaps—periods lasting several consecutive days during which temperatures are exceptionally low and may be accompanied by snow or ice.

What are the health risks associated with extreme cold?

Cold weather affects health in several ways:

• Directly, causing hypothermia, for example

• Indirectly, as in the case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Unlike heat, which affects the body quickly, cold can have immediate effects (hypothermia, cold-induced asthma, etc.) as well as delayed effects (strokes, respiratory infections, etc.).

Snow and ice, meanwhile, have collateral effects such as injuries or carbon monoxide poisoning. Indeed, there is an increased risk of fractures in winter due to falls on snow and ice. These falls can have short- or long-term consequences (hospitalizations, etc.), particularly among the elderly.

Furthermore, in winter, flu epidemics and other infectious diseases, as well as behavioral risk factors, can also increase mortality and interact with the cold. It is therefore difficult to determine the extent to which cold-related risk contributes to winter illnesses.

Are all people equally vulnerable to extreme cold?

Several risk factors can come into play during extreme cold and exacerbate inequality:

Individual factors

• Children and the elderly

• Certain medical conditions

• The use of certain medications, drugs, and alcohol

Social factors

• People unable to afford heating (homelessness, substandard housing, energy poverty)

Occupational factors

• Workers who do not wear appropriate clothing to withstand the cold

What measures can be taken to prevent cold-related risks?

During cold spells, simple steps can help prevent risks while paying special attention to children and the elderly, who may not complain about the cold:

• Do not overheat your home

• Ensure your home is well-ventilated to refresh the air

• Have your boiler inspected by a qualified professional and avoid continuous use of fuel-burning space heaters.

• Dress warmly, especially covering your extremities and head—where the most body heat is lost—as well as your nose and mouth to minimize inhaling cold air.

• Wear sturdy shoes to prevent falls on snow or ice.

• Limit physical exertion.

• Do not take infants and young children outside, even if they are well-protected.

• If you encounter a homeless person or someone in distress on the street, call 115.

Contrary to popular belief, drinking alcohol does not keep you warm. On the contrary, it can be dangerous because the numbing effect masks warning signs of the cold, and you may forget to protect yourself.

• Learn more: Health recommendations for travelers