SHELBY COONS
Rural Cancer Institute
As winter approaches, it’s important to recognize the health risks that come with freezing temperatures and winter weather. While weather can vary across the state, preparing for a strong cold front is especially important for rural areas where access to healthcare facilities and emergency services may be impeded.
One of the most common winter health concerns is respiratory illness, including coronavirus, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). According to Johns Hopkins physician Michael Albert, every year 5% to 20% of Americans will catch the flu, and 60,000 to 160,000 older adults are hospitalized with RSV. This is in addition to COVID-19 variants which are contagious and tend to occur in waves.
These illnesses often spike during the winter months for several reasons. According to the Mayo Clinic Minute, these illnesses often spike during winter months as people spend more time indoors, allowing viruses to spread more quickly. Cold, dry air also allows respiratory droplets to stay airborne longer, while the cilia (hairlike projections in the upper respiratory tract that help clear out germs) do not function as well in dry, cold conditions.
Fortunately, there are several simple ways to reduce the risk of infection. Regular handwashing is one of the most important steps, especially after being in public spaces. Cleaning and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and phones can also help limit spread.
Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations each year provides added protection, particularly for older adults and those with chronic conditions. Covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact when sick, and staying home when you have symptoms (such as cough, sore throat, or fever) can help protect family members, coworkers, and the broader community.
Cold-related illnesses are another important winter health concern. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, and can happen during prolonged outdoor exposure, power outages, or when homes are not adequately heated. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and extreme fatigue.
There’s also frostbite which occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze, most often affecting fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Early signs include numbness, tingling, and pale or waxy skin. To reduce risk of both illnesses, dress in layers, keep clothing dry, cover exposed skin, limit time outdoors during extreme cold, and check on neighbors, especially older adults, during severe weather.
Lastly, winter can impact mental health. Shorter days, reduced sunlight, and increased isolation, especially in rural areas, can contribute to low mood, anxiety, or symptoms of seasonal depression. Some easy ways to protect your mental health include staying connected with friends and family, maintaining daily routines, and spending time outdoors when weather allows.
You can also reach out to local resources or healthcare providers if symptoms persist. As a community, we all play a role in staying safe and healthy during the winter. Checking in on neighbors, preparing homes, and taking simple preventive steps can make a huge difference.
Midwestern winters can be challenging, but with awareness and preparation many winter related health risks can be reduced.
Shelby Coons is a second-year medical student at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She graduated from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville, KS in 2020, and the University of Kansas in 2024. Growing up in a small town inspired her passion for serving rural and underserved communities.