A senior doctor in Dublin has warned that there has been a rise in older people getting hypothermia due to their homes not being heated properly.
Dr Colm Byrne, a consultant geriatrician from the Mater Hospital, told RTE's Morning Ireland about how he has recently come across "some very sad cases." He said: "There have been a couple of cases that have come in of older people who have developed hypothermia in their own homes, unfortunately due to their homes not being heated properly.
"There has been some very sad cases of that. They might not realise the weather has got quite bad or they may live alone and not realise to have it on,” he added.
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Dr Byrne has also called for more gritting paths during this cold snap because of the increase in falls in the elderly and vulnerable. He said: "The public health benefits of reducing down the impacts of these fractures and falls is huge. It is very important that our county councils help us if possible and grit the footpaths."
Dr Byrne noted that an operation for a hip fracture costs the State €11,700 per person, and that hip fractures can have negative health impacts on an older person's quality of life. He also said that even on public transport there is a risk of sustaining a hip fracture.
Dr Byrne said: "Even if you are taking public transport you still have to walk from the bus or train station. It is important that all of these routes are as clear as possible." According to the HSE, hypothermia happens when someone’s body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F). Normal body temperature is around 37°C (98. 6°F).
Hypothermia can quickly become life-threatening quickly, and when a person's body temperature falls below 30°C (86°F), is often fatal. It is important to seek medical help as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms of hympothermia:
Symptoms of hypothermia
- Shivering
- Dizziness
- Hunger
- Nausea
- Faster breathing
- Trouble speaking
- Slight confusion
- Lack of coordination
- Fatigue
- Increased heart rate
More severe symptoms include slurred speech, drowsiness or poor energy, weak pulse, shallow breathing and loss of consciousness.
As the cold snap continues, Met Eireann has warned of freezing rain, sleet and even the possibility of snow, but the weekend weather is set to improve. A Status Yellow ice warning came into effect at midday and will last until midday on Saturday. Met Eireann's warning reads: "Icy conditions in some areas today (Friday) and tonight as showers gradually track southwards over the country.
"Some showers will be of freezing rain, sleet and possibly snow. Untreated roads and paths may be treacherous in places."
For more information and advice on hypothermia visit www.hse.ie
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