Pamplona (EFE).- The Institute of Public and Labor Health of Navarra recommends extreme caution before the next low temperature risk alert for this Friday and Saturday in the Foral Community, where the predictions of the State Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of Health speak of minimums of -6.2ºC, below the established threshold (-3.7ºC).
And it is that intense cold negatively affects health, both directly and indirectly, as stated in the “National Plan for preventive actions for low temperatures”, which establishes actions for prevention and control, structured at various levels of action according to the risk reached as a consequence of the drop in temperatures.
In any case, the effects of low temperatures do not usually occur in such an acute and sudden way as in the case of high temperatures. The plan indicates that cold is an environmental risk factor that must be taken into account and that its health impacts can be even greater than those of extreme heat.
The Plan establishes three alert levels taking as a reference the minimum temperature forecast for three days. For this year the threshold temperature established for Navarra is -3.7º C in Pamplona, therefore, given the forecasts for the next few days, the community is on Alert 1 or at low risk on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 February.
This Friday, the minimum temperatures at night will reach -4ºC in the center of the Foral Community and -6ºC in various areas of the Navarre Pyrenees.
Recommendations before the cold wave
In this context, recommendations are offered such as, when outdoors, breathe through the nose and not through the mouth, since the air heats up as it passes through the nostrils and thus reduces the cold that reaches the lungs. It is also necessary to be extremely careful with ice.
It should be borne in mind that several layers of thin clothing protect more than a single thick one, by forming insulating air chambers between them.
If braziers are used at home or in the fireplace, ventilate the room frequently to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide. At least twice a day, for 15 minutes each time, to ensure air renewal. It is convenient to turn off electric and gas stoves at night.
It is also recommended not to take medications without a prescription, keep in mind that some medications precipitate the problems derived from exposure to cold, eat a varied diet and avoid alcohol consumption.
Vaccination against influenza and coronavirus is also recommended in people aged 60 years and over, and in those who suffer from a chronic disease (cardiopulmonary, metabolic and immunosuppressed).
On the other hand, it is pointed out only in the most extreme cases, exposure to very low temperatures leads to hypothermia and frostbite.
When it occurs, it is important to avoid walking if you have frozen feet or toes, as it can aggravate the existing injury. Introduce the injured area in warm but not hot water. Alternatively, you can also use your body heat to warm the affected area on contact. Keep in mind that injured areas have less sensitivity, are numb and can burn without us noticing.
To prevent these situations, it is convenient to protect the most vulnerable people.