It was found that all three deaths from cold diseases that occurred during this year’s cold wave were among the elderly. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
It was found that all deaths from cold diseases that occurred during this year’s cold wave were among the elderly. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency emphasized that elderly people are especially vulnerable to cold, so it is important to follow preventive rules, such as refraining from going out during cold waves and thoroughly keeping warm.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 31st that there were 106 people with cold-related illnesses that occurred between December 1st and 28th. This is a slight decrease from 107 people in the same period last year, but the number of deaths was 3, the same as last year. All of the deceased were elderly people who were vulnerable to cold weather.
As a result of analysis of last year’s cold disease surveillance data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, it was revealed that 21.3% of all patients were drinking. When you drink alcohol, you are not aware of a rapid drop in body temperature, which increases the risk of cold illness. It is said that special caution is needed during the year-end and New Year holidays when drinking is frequent.
To prevent cold-related diseases, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recommended ▲light indoor exercise, sufficient water intake, and a balanced diet ▲maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity indoors ▲checking perceived temperature before going out and refraining from outdoor activities ▲wearing thermal insulation products such as gloves, scarves, and hats when going out.
If symptoms of cold illness appear, you should immediately move to a warm place, remove wet clothing, and keep your body warm. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Lim Seung-kwan, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, “Families and guardians need to pay attention to the elderly, who are vulnerable to cold, so that they can follow health rules against cold waves.” He added, “As the risk increases because people cannot feel the cold after drinking, special attention should be paid to moderation in drinking and keeping warm during the year-end and New Year holidays.”
Reporter Eunyoung Yoon very9832@nongmin.com
