Autumn is considered: how will the late arrival of winter affect your health
The meteorological autumn of 2025 actually lasted for at least a decade. This did not bring much joy to residents of many regions, because in the absence of snow and bracing frost, a short daylight day, and even without the sun, is hard to perceive. In addition, the characteristic autumn diseases have gained additional time. How the vagaries of the weather affect your health and how to adapt to the onset of real winter — in the material of Izvestia.
Increased blood pressure
The prolonged autumn contributed to the fact that in the first days of December, many complaints characteristic of acute respiratory viral infections were recorded, said Denis Prokofiev, a general practitioner, cardiologist, holder of the status of "Moscow Doctor". Meanwhile, the peak of acute respiratory viral infections passes as soon as winter sets in, since cold air is harmful to all airborne viruses.
— As a rule, by December, we recorded an annual decline in complaints about this issue. But the result of the 2025 weather anomaly is a large number of diseases associated with acute respiratory viral infections, acute bronchitis and tonsillopharyngitis. This is due to temperature fluctuations and such leading factors in the development of diseases as decreased immunity and hypothermia," comments Denis Prokofiev.
Deceived by the weather, people dress in autumn, and the so-called temperature swings take them by surprise.
Another problem is related to the fact that temperature fluctuations are always accompanied by sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, the expert notes. Thus, this year, with the onset of winter, the number of hypertensive crises has increased significantly.
Dr. Prokofiev emphasizes that complaints of headache, increased blood pressure and increased pulse rate always accompany the transition period. And when the climatic winter sets in, the pressure becomes stable. But if the wait for winter drags on, as this year, then this is a big blow to health.
"Since weather fluctuations have a very negative effect on blood pressure and are often accompanied by such a life—threatening and health—threatening situation as a hypertensive crisis, it is imperative to regularly measure blood pressure and pulse when symptoms such as headache, flashing "flies" in front of the eyes and general weakness occur," comments Prokofiev.
The cardiologist reminds that the normal blood pressure should not exceed 120 over 80. If it "goes" beyond 130 to 90, then it is necessary to consult a doctor. And a hypertensive crisis is a figure higher than 160 by 90. In this case, it is necessary to take emergency measures to reduce blood pressure.
Allergy to cold
In winter, there is also a problem such as cold urticaria. It is popularly called an allergy to cold.
— This is the response of our skin to the effects of cold. As a result, rashes appear on the skin and on the mucous membranes," says Prokofiev. — Cold urticaria is divided into acute and chronic, depending on the time of the rash.
The general practitioner emphasizes that, as a rule, people with pre-existing allergic diseases suffer from cold urticaria. This is not an independent type of allergy, there must be prerequisites for its occurrence.
— And the factors provoking such a problem are cold air, contact with cold objects and liquids, as well as some cosmetic cryo-procedures, — explains Prokofiev.
Another problem that a person runs the risk of encountering in the cold is a weakening of the immune system. According to the general practitioner, this is facilitated by a violation of the blood supply to the nasal cavity at subzero temperatures.
— The main volume of inhaled air passes through the nose, and with vascular spasm against the background of cold, local immunity decreases. As a result, a person becomes extremely susceptible to viruses," the expert says.
The third "winter" problem is the so—called cold bronchial spasm. It occurs when a person inhales cold air sharply.
— Bronchospasm is manifested by symptoms of lack of air, suffocation, shortness of breath. It is usually of a short-term nature. But this problem requires special attention and supervision from a pulmonologist, warns Dr. Prokofiev.
How to dress in the cold
When going outside, the doctor recommends avoiding sudden temperature changes. This is facilitated by the use of the barrier principle: we move from a warm room to a cool one (vestibule or entrance), and then, after a short adaptation, we go outside. It is important that the body gets used to the cold.
The doctor emphasizes that in the cold it is important to exclude alcohol consumption and stop smoking. First of all, bad habits are associated with stress on blood vessels, which are already susceptible to constriction during low temperatures. And smoking and alcohol additionally contribute to an even greater narrowing of them, which leads to an increase in blood pressure. Accordingly, the risk of cardiovascular problems increases. And smoking is also accompanied by inhaling cold air.
In the cold season, it is necessary to dress warmly, but do not allow overheating.
— Dress according to the cabbage principle — layered. The first layer, the one closest to the body, may be made of cotton material, such as a T-shirt. She wears a turtleneck sweater and a fleece hoodie on top. The more layers of clothing, the better the thermal insulation. Then the body temperature will be within acceptable values, and this is the basic principle of layering, explains Prokofiev.
According to the cardiologist, it is important to remember to protect the vessels located in the extremities furthest from the heart: gloves and warm seasonal shoes are necessary.
— At significant sub-zero temperatures (from minus 15 degrees), it is recommended to breathe through a scarf or wear a balaclava. This way you can additionally warm the air and avoid problems associated with a decrease in local immunity of the oropharynx and nasopharynx," the expert comments.
The doctor reminds that a person gets warm during physical activity — the body temperature rises. But when exercising, it is important to avoid overheating and hypothermia.
Why do athletes need thermal underwear?
Sergey Pound, an expert trainer at the gym of the Pride Fitness fitness club chain, emphasizes that cold air dries the mucous membranes, irritates the respiratory tract and can lead to diseases, so it is important to breathe properly while exercising outdoors.
— The basic rule is smooth and slow breathing through the nose — this way the air will heat up better. Accordingly, it is necessary to avoid sudden breaths through the mouth in the cold, as such actions can lead to bronchial spasms," the expert trainer comments.
Sergey Pound advises beginners to start with short breathing exercises lasting 5-7 minutes. And for experienced athletes, the Wim Hof method is suitable — deep breathing with air retention.
Outdoor activities in winter include running, skiing, Nordic walking and ice skating. Such activities develop endurance, strengthen the cardiovascular system and maintain muscle tone. For productive outdoor training and maintaining health, the expert trainer advises you to choose the right equipment.,
— In winter, athletes are also advised to give preference to layering. The first layer is the base layer (moisture—wicking thermal underwear). Next comes the insulation (fleece or wool). And the final exterior is wind and moisture—proof material," comments Sergey Pound. — Going for a run in a T-shirt and leggings, as in summer, is very dangerous and ineffective. As for shoes, it is worth choosing insulated and waterproof options with good cushioning and anti-slip soles.
Another negative aspect of the darkest period is that people lose motivation to exercise, eat more often and a lot, without thinking about what it will affect their appearance. Meanwhile, it's important to keep fit, even if you don't have enough time and desire for intense workouts. The expert trainer notes that stretching, yoga, pilates, aerobics, strength and HIIT workouts are suitable for home classes. These types of physical activity contribute to the development of strength and flexibility, and the recovery of the body.
The expert trainer provides the top 5 exercises that will help keep fit:
— dynamic plank; helps strengthen the body, improve tone and stabilization, increase endurance; you should do three sets of 30-60 seconds each;
— squats; they help to work out the muscles of the legs and buttocks, increase endurance; it is necessary to do 2-3 sets of 15-20 repetitions; you can add small dumbbells;
— lifting the knees; defecation activates the muscles of the core, thighs and buttocks, increases overall endurance; it is necessary to do 2-3 sets lasting 30 seconds;
— burpees; strengthen muscles, speed up metabolism, burn calories, improve coordination and endurance; it is necessary to do 8-12 repetitions;
— lunges; work on balance and coordination, develop and strengthen leg muscles; perform 2-3 sets of 10-15 times.
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