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The winter season can certainly be a lot of fun. From snow sports to building snowmen, the cold weather doesn't have a shortage of great activities that you can get into. However, as fun or exciting as it can be, remember that winter can also bring certain illnesses with it, such as:

The common cold - Characterized by a runny nose, nasal congestion, and a lot of sneezing, this one is pretty rampant during winter. Sometimes, the common cold is also accompanied by sore throat, cough, headaches, and other symptoms.

Flu - While similar with the common cold, the flu is usually more severe and includes symptoms such as congestion and cough. It's often also accompanied with soreness, muscle aches, fever, headaches, and sore throat.

Frostbite - This is a condition wherein skin or tissue is damaged due to extreme cold. It usually affects parts of the body that are farthest from the heart and most exposed, such as the nose, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can sometimes result in gangrene.

Hypothermia - A medical condition of having an abnormally low body temperature, hypothermia is often caused by exposure to extreme cold and wetness. Symptoms include reduced mental capacity and sluggishness.

Tips to Stay Warm

Staying safe, healthy and warm in order to prevent the above-mentioned illnesses can be done by following the tips below:

Dress in layers - Sometimes, when the cold really hits, a jacket isn't enough to keep you warm. If you're experiencing extreme cold weather, be sure to dress in layers when leaving the house. Start with thermal underwear at the base, add in a sweater, then top it off with a snug jacket.

Protect your hands and feet - Don't neglect your hands and feet during the winter! Remember that frost bite often affects your fingers and toes, so keep those parts warm at all times. Invest in a good pair of boots that can keep your feet nice and toasty outside. Also be sure to get yourself some gloves. Worried that you won't be able to use your phone properly? Don't be. There are certain gloves in the market with special fingers that allow people to tap on their phones while wearing them.

Drink hot beverages - Keep your insides warm to with some hot beverages. Coffees, tea, and hot chocolate are extremely comforting during the winter. You may also want to cook up some soup to compliment your meals.

Stay dry - Having wet skin, especially in cold weather is like having a one way ticket to Flu-ville. Remember to stay dry at all times. Dry yourself up quickly after taking a shower, and wear moisture or water proof clothing when you're out and about.

Load up on Vitamin C - This isn't necessarily a "how to stay warm" type of tip, but it's still a very good piece of advice especially during the winter. Sicknesses are common during this season, so help arm yourself by giving your immune system a boost. Load up on Vitamin C by taking supplements and eating citrus fruits to help protect yourself from flu causing germs.

Resources

For more ways on staying safe, healthy, and warm during winter, be sure to visit the following resources:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - The NIAID guide on preventing the common cold

FLU.gov - Helpful website offering information about flu symptoms, treatment, prevention, vaccination, and more.

Nationwide Children's Hospital - Seasonal Flu Resources from the NCH

American Red Cross: Winter Illness Safety Guide - Safety guide for the cold season from the American Red Cross - Greater New York Region

FDA: Get Set for Winter Illness Season - A guide by the Food and Drug Administration to help people learn more about winter ailments.

CDC: Winter Weather - Winter health and safety tips by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

HHS.govSickness prevention tips from the US Department of Health and Human Services

How to keep warm this winter Winter tips for warmth from AgeUK.org

NWF: 5 Tips to Stay Warm Outside In Winter Winter tips from the National Wildlife Federation

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