These cold temperatures could lead to hypothermia.
Frederick, Md. (DG) – Temperatures will be dangerously cold over the next few days and health officials are asking everyone to take precautions.
Doctor Clifford Mitchell with the State Health Department says in this weather hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below 98-degrees.
“If it falls to around 95-degrees or cooler inside the core of the body, then the proteins and the cells that make the body work stop functioning,” Dr. Mitchell said.
Some of the symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
During this cold weather, health officials encourage everyone to dress properly to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.
Frostbite is the actual freezing of body tissue. This occurs when the skin temperature falls below 32-degrees.
You can prevent frostbite by covering your toes, fingers, ears, cheeks, and nose, which are the most likely areas to freeze. Signs of frostbite are redness or pain, white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels firm or waxy, and numbness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
-Dianah Gibson