- In just a week of cold weather enveloping Gaza, six babies across the enclave have died from hypothermia.
- Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).
- Causes:
- Exposure to cold temperatures: This is the most common cause, especially in cold weather or after immersion in cold water.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of hypothermia, such as an underactive thyroid, diabetes, and malnutrition.
- Medications: Some medications can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
- Alcohol consumption: Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more susceptible to cold.
- Symptoms:
- Mild hypothermia: Shivering, slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness
- Moderate hypothermia: Shivering stops, confusion worsens, clumsiness, slow, shallow breathing
- Severe hypothermia: Loss of consciousness, very weak pulse, irregular heartbeat, blue-gray skin
- Treatment:
- Mild hypothermia: Move the person to a warm place, remove any wet clothing, and wrap them in warm blankets. Give them warm, sweet drinks (if conscious).
- Moderate to severe hypothermia: This is a medical emergency. Do not try to warm the person rapidly, as this can cause heart problems.
Prevention:
- Dress warmly in layers when in cold weather.
- Stay dry.
- Limit alcohol consumption in cold weather.