The Kashmir Valley continues to remain in a vice-like grip of an intense cold wave, with minimum temperatures dropped to minus 2.4 degrees Celsius last night in Srinagar and now hovering at around six degrees Celsius.

This biting and dry cold wave has brought along with it cold-related chest ailments and flu-like symptoms, leading medical experts to warn people to avoid exposing themselves to the severe wintry weather.
Night temperatures are at below freezing point in most parts of the valley. For instance, it was at minus 0.4 in Pahalgam, minus 2.5 in Gulmarg, Banihal 4.5 and Bhaderwah 2.6 degrees Celsius.
The cold wave is expected to be in this temperature range at least till December 15, MeT officials, adding it could take a turn for the worse by the end of December.
Given that there is very little relief in sight for locals, a majority are moving around in their traditional Pherans. In some spots, people were seen gathering around “Kangris”, an earthen fire pot woven into willow wicker baskets filled with large charcoal chips, to keep themselves warm.
People are also bracing themselves for the 40-day-long freezing winter cold called ‘Chillai Kalan’, which starts from December 21 and lasts till January 30.
In light of the chilling scenario above, medical experts have made the following recommendations.
. Dress in Layers: The first recommendation made has been for people to cover themselves with several layers of clothes to keep the body heat internalised to counter changing temperatures.
. Prioritise Sleep: Locals need to have quality sleep to support the proper functioning of their immune system during the winter.
Use Humidifiers: Experts have advised using humidifiers to keep the skin and respiratory passages well hydrated, as well as the air moist.
Physical Activity: Whether indoors or outdoors, regular movement of the body, especially the limbs, is essential to preserve both physical and mental health.
Follow a Balanced Diet: Consume nutrient-dense foods to support immune function and overall physical well-being.
Apart from ailments like common cold and Flu, the other viral infections that are likely to hit the local people during the winter are influenza and pneumonia.
The severe wintry conditions can also cause Hypothermia, a life-threatening condition where the body loses heat rapidly.
Exposure to asthma, bronchitis and frostbite because of the extreme cold is also a possibility.
Health experts have advised the following precautions:
. Frequent washing of hands
. Maintaining distance from people who are sick
. Get vaccinated for flu and pneumonia
. Stay indoors as far as possible during the winter
Understanding how the cold weather impacts us can help us to make informed choices for our own wellbeing.
When the weather changes, so does the physiological response in our bodies. There can be a drop in immune response, changes in blood flow and mood.
According to a Harvard Health study, cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, which affects blood circulation and may even elevate blood pressure.