Srinagar, Jan 9: As a severe cold wave continues to grip Jammu and Kashmir, health experts have warned that extreme winter conditions pose serious and potentially life-threatening risks, including hypothermia, frostbite and indoor hazards. Medical professionals said the intense cold is not merely uncomfortable but can turn deadly if adequate precautions are not taken. A senior doctor at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, said studies show a high incidence of cold-related injuries among elderly people, particularly those above 60 years of age, with men more affected than women. “Surprisingly, many cold-related incidents occur inside homes, underscoring the need for awareness and preparedness even indoors,” the doctor said. GMC Jammu has prepared a cold-impact preparedness plan highlighting how prolonged exposure to low temperatures can seriously affect health and daily life. Doctors warned that extended exposure may lead to hypothermia, a condition in which body temperature drops below normal levels and can become fatal if not treated promptly. “Hypothermia develops gradually and is particularly dangerous. Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech, extreme fatigue and drowsiness,” doctors said. Frostbite is another major risk during extreme cold, especially affecting fingers, toes, ears and the nose. Doctors also warned against the improper use of alternative heating sources, which significantly increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning — a silent but deadly indoor hazard. “Frostbite can occur quickly in extremely cold and windy conditions. Exposed skin may lose sensation and turn pale or white. If not addressed immediately, it can cause permanent tissue damage,” they said, adding that proper clothing and limited exposure are the best preventive measures. Experts also cautioned that cold weather cman trigger power outages, freeze water pipes and drain vehicle batteries, compounding winter hardships and emergencies. People have been advised to remain indoors during severe cold spells and avoid unnecessary travel. Vehicles should be winter-ready, with tyres, batteries, heaters and antifreeze levels checked. Carrying a winter survival kit, including blankets, water and emergency supplies, can be lifesaving. “At home, water pipes should be insulated, emergency lighting and batteries kept ready, and elderly family members monitored regularly,” the advisory said. Safe use of heating devices and proper storage of fuel for fireplaces or wood stoves were also emphasised to prevent fires. Travellers have been urged to take extra precautions by keeping fuel tanks nearly full and carrying essentials such as blankets, flashlights, drinking water and high-energy food. Keeping mobile phones fully charged is crucial during emergencies. Doctors stressed that appropriate winter clothing remains one of the most effective protective measures. “Loose, layered clothing helps retain body heat, while water-resistant outerwear prevents moisture exposure. Covering the head, face and hands significantly reduces heat loss and protects the lungs from cold air. Staying dry is key to preventing cold-related illnesses,” they said. Health experts said that understanding winter risks and following basic safety measures can help people protect themselves and ensure a safer winter season. Meanwhile, doctors highlighted that hypothermia poses a serious threat to newborn babies, significantly increasing neonatal mortality during freezing temperatures. Senior paediatrician Dr Suhail Naik said newborns are particularly vulnerable as they are exposed to cold immediately after birth. “To prevent hypothermia, newborns must be shifted immediately to a newborn stabilisation unit where adequate warmth is maintained,” Dr Naik said. He expressed concern that some families still follow traditional practices, prioritising vaccination visits over warm care and early breastfeeding, which can prove fatal. He added that freezing temperatures also make children more susceptible to respiratory tract infections, as cold impairs innate immunity.