Cold weather can put your health at risk and worsen pre-existing conditions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Cold-related injuries and illnesses include frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia.
The risk of cold-related injuries and illnesses depends on several factors, such as the current weather conditions (temperature, wind and precipitation) and how long someone has been in the cold. While anyone who isn’t dressed warmly is at risk in cold weather, some individuals, such as older adults, infants (less than twelve months old), those experiencing homelessness or those living in a home without adequate heat or electricity are at greater risk.