As winter weather settles in, many people associate the cold with snowstorms and freezing temperatures. But even in warmer climates like Savannah, Georgia, hypothermia remains a significant risk. With temperatures occasionally dipping into the 30s or 40s during the winter months, it’s important to recognize the signs and risks, especially if you’re spending prolonged periods outdoors.
At Urgent Care, we want to ensure you stay safe and healthy this winter season by understanding hypothermia and how to protect yourself, no matter where you live.
What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia occurs when your body’s core temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), usually due to prolonged exposure to cold weather or wet conditions. It’s a dangerous condition because your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing your organs and vital systems to malfunction. Without intervention, it can be life-threatening.
How Hypothermia Can Affect You in Savannah
While Savannah doesn’t experience extreme cold like other parts of the country, the risk of hypothermia is still present. Even on moderately chilly days, prolonged exposure to wind, rain, or wet clothing can cause your body to lose heat quickly. Those most at risk include:
- The Elderly: Older adults may have a lower metabolic rate and are more vulnerable to the cold.
- Children: Young children can lose heat faster than adults and may not recognize the early signs.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Those spending time outside for work, recreation, or exercise in cooler temperatures are more susceptible.
- Those with Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, or poor circulation can make it harder for the body to maintain warmth.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia
Hypothermia can develop gradually, and the symptoms may not always be obvious. Common signs to look out for include:
- Shivering: Your body’s first response to the cold is to try to generate heat through shivering.
- Confusion or Memory Loss: As the body cools, brain function can become impaired, causing confusion or poor judgment.
- Slurred Speech: Speech may become slurred, and the person may appear intoxicated or uncoordinated.
- Numbness: Loss of feeling in extremities like fingers, toes, and ears.
- Fatigue or Drowsiness: The body uses significant energy to maintain heat, which can lead to extreme tiredness.
- Loss of Coordination: Hypothermia may cause muscle stiffness or difficulty moving.
How to Prevent Hypothermia in Savannah’s Winter
While the cold weather in Savannah is generally milder than in many northern states, it’s still important to take precautions to avoid hypothermia:
- Dress in Layers: Layering clothing helps trap body heat. Choose moisture-wicking fabrics to keep sweat off your skin, followed by insulating layers, and finish with a waterproof outer layer if you’re exposed to rain.
- Stay Dry: Wet clothing draws heat away from your body, so try to stay dry, especially when engaging in outdoor activities. Waterproof boots, coats, and gloves are essential in wet weather.
- Limit Time Outdoors in Cold, Windy Weather: If the weather forecast predicts cold wind or rain, limit your time outside. If you must be outside, take regular breaks to warm up indoors.
- Stay Active: If you’re outside for extended periods, keep moving to help maintain circulation and body heat.
- Protect Extremities: Wear hats, gloves, scarves, and thick socks to protect your fingers, toes, ears, and nose—areas most prone to frostbite and hypothermia.
- Monitor Vulnerable Individuals: Keep a close eye on elderly family members, young children, and anyone with health conditions who may be more susceptible to the cold.
What to Do if You Suspect Hypothermia
If you or someone you know is showing signs of hypothermia, take immediate action:
- Get out of the cold: Move to a warm, dry place as soon as possible.
- Remove wet clothing: Replace wet clothes with warm, dry layers.
- Warm the body gradually: Use blankets, warm drinks (not alcohol), and body heat to warm the person slowly. Do not use direct heat like hot water or heating pads, as this can cause skin damage.
- Seek medical attention: Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Even mild hypothermia should be assessed by a healthcare professional to ensure proper care.
Urgent Care Can Help
If you’re concerned about hypothermia or suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from it, don’t hesitate to visit Urgent Care. Our medical professionals can provide immediate care, assess the severity of the condition, and offer guidance on further treatment if needed.
Even in Savannah, where winters are typically mild, hypothermia remains a danger when temperatures drop unexpectedly or if prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions occurs. Stay safe this winter by dressing appropriately, staying dry, and recognizing the signs of hypothermia early. If you have any concerns or need medical attention, Urgent Care is here to help.
Stay warm, stay safe, and stay healthy this winter!