Novant Health reported an increase in patients showing up at the hospital with weather-related injuries and sickness.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Nurses at Novant Health say they’re seeing more patients coming to hospitals due to weather-related injuries and illnesses.
They’ve also seen more patients coming to the hospital after getting sick in the cold. Nurses say it’s best to dress in layers if you’re heading out when temperatures are at or below freezing. Charlotte is unlikely to get above freezing until Thursday afternoon at the earliest, as an Arctic blast brought frigid air to the Carolinas this week.
They also urge everyone to drive slowly with plenty of space between cars due to potentially icy conditions.
“Unfortunately, falls and crashes are at the top of our list for injuries in this type of weather,” trauma nurse Kelly Moriarty said. “Especially when you have that snow, and it freezes overnight and you don’t see the ice underneath the snow or on top of that concrete. So if you are walking, running or doing anything outdoors, be sure that you have on good, solid shoes that have good tread.”
Moriarty added that you should take your time and go slow to avoid slips and falls during winter. She says young children and the elderly are the most sensitive to these temperatures, along with those experiencing homelessness or working outside for prolonged periods.
If you start feeling numb or tingly, like you have pins and needles, you should get somewhere warm and go to the doctor if you don’t feel better quickly.
