Cold Matters: Stay Warm if you have SCD

Cold Weather & Sickle Cell: Why Staying Warm Matters

Cold weather isn’t just uncomfortable for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD) — it can be a real health trigger.

When the body gets cold, blood vessels tighten. For someone with sickle cell, this slows blood flow and increases the chance that sickled red blood cells can block small vessels. The result can be pain, inflammation, and in some cases a sickle cell pain crisis.

Cold exposure doesn’t only happen outside in winter. Sudden temperature changes, cold rain or wind, air-conditioned rooms, and swimming in cold water can all stress the body and raise risk.

Simple ways to protect yourself:

• Dress in layers and keep hands, feet, head, and face warm
• Avoid sudden temperature changes when possible
• Stay well hydrated — dehydration increases sickling risk
• Keep indoor spaces comfortably warm
• Be cautious with cold water, including pools and lakes

Listening to your body matters. If cold temperatures have triggered pain or symptoms for you before, take extra precautions and plan ahead.

Bottom line: Staying warm isn’t just about comfort — it’s part of staying healthy with sickle cell. Small daily choices can help prevent big problems.

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