Winter storm health advisory: Doctor shares key safety tips to stay protected in extreme cold

As a massive winter storm prepares to sweep across the continental United States, a leading physician is urging the public to take the threat seriously and prepare for potentially dangerous health consequences. The storm is expected to impact nearly 150 million people, particularly across eastern, southern, and northern states, with forecasts warning of extreme cold, snow, and widespread power outages lasting several days.

The advisory was shared by Dr. Zachary Rubin, a pediatric allergist and clinical immunologist with over 1 million followers on Instagram, who emphasized that extreme cold is not just uncomfortable, it poses significant physiological risks.



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Strain on heart and lungs

According to Dr. Rubin, exposure to very cold temperatures places substantial stress on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Cold causes blood vessels in the extremities to constrict, which raises blood pressure and increases strain on the heart. This makes individuals with heart disease more vulnerable to heart attacks, particularly during prolonged exposure or physical exertion.

Cold air also dries out the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of bronchospasm, especially in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This narrowing of the airways can make breathing significantly more difficult.

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A post shared by Zachary Rubin, MD (@rubin_allergy)

Increased risks from physical exertion

Dr. Rubin cautions against outdoor activities such as snow shoveling, especially for older adults or those with cardiovascular conditions. Shoveling in extreme cold sharply raises the risk of heart attacks due to sudden exertion combined with cold-induced vascular constriction.

He also warns against moving directly from a warm indoor environment to immediate physical activity outdoors without a warm-up, as the abrupt temperature change can shock the body.

Additional health concerns during power outages

Winter storms often lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly when people use generators, grills, or gas heaters improperly indoors. Dr. Rubin strongly advises ensuring carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functioning on every floor of the home.

Cold exposure also increases the body’s metabolic demands, meaning people may require higher caloric intake to maintain body temperature.

Protective measures for people and pets

Dr. Rubin recommends wearing a mask or scarf outdoors to warm and humidify inhaled air, which can reduce respiratory irritation. He also stresses limiting outdoor exposure for pets, keeping their paws warm and dry.

Finally, he urges communities to check on elderly neighbors or those without reliable heat, emphasizing that winter safety is a shared responsibility.