Several people needed medical assistance due to hypothermia in the past days, the Health Ministry said as it advised people to keep themselves warm during the cold winter months.
The ministry said in a statement yesterday evening that low temperatures could be dangerous for the elderly, babies, young children and people suffering from chronic conditions.
To avoid hypothermia one should avoid staying in the cold. Buildings should be insulated with the use of curtains while closed doors and windows reduced the need to keep room temperature adequate.
One should also have heaters and a fuel reserve. Open flames should be kept away from flammable material such as curtains, furniture and clothes.
It was better to wear layers of clothing instead of one thick layer. Outdoors, one should cover the head and wear a muffler.
One should have regular hot drinks and eat at least one hot meal a day. Regular eating helped one retain a high energy level.
The elderly and people suffering from chronic conditions should be regularly checked.
One should keep active as much as possible. However, people with heart problems should avoid physical work in low temperatures.
The ministry said that the symptoms of hypothermia were a continuous feeling of cold, tiredness and lack of energy, pale skin and, in serious cases, confusion, a weak heart rate and fainting.
In case of doubt one should consult a doctor.