Health authorities across the UK have issued urgent warnings as a severe cold snap grips Britain, with overnight temperatures projected to plummet to as low as -10C. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has responded by issuing an amber cold health alert for large parts of the UK, including the North East, North West Yorkshire, and Humber, valid until Saturday morning. A yellow alert is also in place for the rest of England. This extreme cold is expected to significantly increase demand for NHS services, particularly affecting individuals aged 65 and older, due to heightened risks of serious health complications.

Dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, highlighted that extreme cold elevates the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections. Beyond these acute concerns, the colder months, characterized by shorter days and drier air, can trigger a range of health issues that many may not readily associate with weather changes. The Daily Mail has compiled a list of such health problems, illustrating the comprehensive impact of winter.

Heart Attacks: Research indicates a nearly 10 percent increase in the risk of suffering the most severe type of heart attack (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) in temperatures below 0C. A 2018 study observed this trend, positing that icy weather causes blood vessels to narrow, thereby restricting oxygen supply to the heart. Professor David Erlinge of Lund University also noted that respiratory tract infections and the flu, which are currently widespread in the UK, serve as additional risk factors. Experts have even warned of a potential "quad-demic" of winter illnesses this season, encompassing flu, Covid, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Lung Conditions: For individuals with pre-existing lung conditions such as asthma, winter can double the risk of emergency room visits. Seasonal triggers like cold air, colds, flu, and even dampness and mould make breathing more difficult. Cold, dry air, exacerbated by indoor heating, causes airways to narrow and increases mucus production, leading to worsening symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness. Asthma + Lung UK advises breathing through the nose, wearing a scarf, and always carrying an inhaler outdoors. Indoors, they recommend regular hot drinks, using blankets or hot water bottles, and avoiding prolonged stillness.

Dry Lungs: The effects of cold weather on the lungs are not limited to those with chronic conditions. Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a pulmonologist, explained that the body's increased effort to stay warm places significant stress on both the heart and lungs. Cold, dry air can trigger two types of lung issues: obstructive problems, where air struggles to escape the lungs, and restrictive problems, where air has difficulty entering. The tightening of airways caused by cold, dry air makes it harder for air exchange. Furthermore, this dry air can make viral infections like the flu and RSV more prevalent, even for individuals without underlying lung conditions.

Joint Pain: Individuals suffering from joint conditions like arthritis often experience an exacerbation of pain during colder months. Dr. Shelby Johnson, a physical medicine specialist, corroborates this observation, noting a common worsening of pain in winter. A 2020 study involving rheumatoid arthritis patients found more tender joints and harsher pain in winter compared to spring. While the exact reasons remain undetermined, theories suggest that the body circulates less blood to the joints in cold weather, prioritizing the core, which can lead to stiffness and pain. Additionally, reduced blood flow to nerve endings may increase the body's sensitivity to pain in the cold.

Dry Skin: The transition between extremely cold outdoor temperatures and warm indoor heating can severely impact skin health. Dr. Christine Ko, a dermatology professor, explained that individuals prone to rashes may suffer during these shifts. The combination of temperature changes and exposure to dry air can worsen conditions like eczema. Lack of moisture from dry outdoor air can cause skin to become dry, flaky, or break out in a rash. To mitigate this, daily application of lotion and using a humidifier indoors are recommended, especially when heating systems are active.

Hair Loss: Cold temperatures can also contribute to a dry scalp, increasing vulnerability to hair loss, breakage, and thinning. Abbas Kanani, a superintendent pharmacist, noted that the scalp can dehydrate due to cold weather and dry indoor heat. This issue can be compounded by low levels of vitamin D, which the body primarily synthesizes from direct sunlight. Since sunlight exposure is limited between October and early March, vitamin D deficiency is more common and can, in rare cases, lead to hair loss. Experts advise against stepping outside with cold hair and recommend washing hair at temperatures between 37°C to 40°C.

Seasonal Depression: The shorter days of colder months, with reduced sunlight exposure, are a significant trigger for mental health conditions like seasonal depression, often improving in spring and summer. Sufferers may experience persistent low mood, irritability, despair, decreased sex drive, and increased sleepiness. The NHS attributes this mainly to a lack of sunlight affecting the hypothalamus, leading to increased production of the sleep hormone melatonin and reduced production of the happiness-linked hormone serotonin. Additionally, insufficient sunshine disrupts the body's circadian rhythm, contributing to the condition.