A doctor has warned about the health effects of temperature extremes

Weather forecasters predict a sharp drop in temperature, followed by a significant warming. Tatyana Taradeeva, a general practitioner at INVITRO-Privolzhye, told Izvestia on December 22 about the danger of temperature changes for human health.

"Temperature fluctuations can really have a negative impact on human health. Abrupt temperature changes are a stress for the body's thermoregulatory system. This can lead to malfunctions in the immune system, which makes a person more vulnerable to infections," Taradeeva notes.

According to her, a sudden cold snap leads to vasoconstriction, which is then replaced by dilation when the temperature rises. This can cause discomfort and attacks in people with cardiovascular disease. Temperature fluctuations can also aggravate bronchopulmonary diseases, especially in those who suffer from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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In addition, some viruses, such as the flu, can stay active longer during the winter, increasing the chances of infection. Also, during the cold season, people are more likely to be in enclosed spaces, leading to more interaction. This increases the risk of virus transmission between people.

"People with chronic diseases are primarily at risk: cardiovascular, diabetes, asthma and others. The immune systems of children and the elderly are also more susceptible to infections. Hormonal changes can weaken the immune system, which increases the risk of diseases in pregnant women," summarized Taradeeva.

Earlier, on December 12, therapist, cardiologist of the medical company "SberZdorovye" Anastasia Poskakalova told "Izvestia" about aggravating diseases during the heating season. According to her, dry air leads to worsening of dermatological diseases, as dry skin is more prone to itching and irritation.