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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
1 minute read
By: Raj Dwivedi

Everything You Wanted To Know About Quarantine!

I have received many questions lately asking clarity around

· Can You Be Forced into Quarantine?

· how quarantines are imposed enforced during Corona Virus?

· Can the government impose a quarantine on anybody?

· Are quarantines, including self-isolating at home, voluntary or mandatory?

· Is there a right to appeal?

· What does the government provide during a quarantine?

· Are quarantines effective?

Here are some of the facts and details around Quarantine in US

· When it comes to the federal government, it can impose quarantines under the Public Health Service Act for two main reasons:

o to prevent the spread of communicable disease into the United States or between states.

· Quarantines are considered a measure of last resort when no preferable means is available to halt the spread of a deadly communicable disease.

· Those subject to quarantine should be either infectious or have been exposed to the disease, experts said.

· There is no blanket law, the laws vary by state and even locality.

· Voluntary or Mandatory? It is a bit of a gray area. It often seems voluntary until the person involved tries to leave, at which point health officials are likely to make it compulsory, experts said.

· The bottom line is that if a quarantine is not enforced and other people catch the fatal disease as a result, the local government could be held liable.

· Laws vary by state, but those who ignore the rule could face fines or jail time

· Local authorities often have some form of enforcement power, but usually try gentle persuasion to persuade people that it is for their good and the good of the community.

· An infected person blatantly ignoring an order might be forced to go into medical isolation — that is, some form of locked hospital ward.

· Scope of Change in Appeal process — States should have some manner of appeal process, and some require a court order from the outset. If there is no medical tribunal or other means for a second opinion, ultimately anyone could challenge a quarantine order in court through a writ of habeas corpus.

· Under C.D.C. rules, the federal government must test those confined within 72 hours and define the length of stay from the outset — two weeks for the coronavirus because that is the incubation period for the disease.

· The most glaring hole in American quarantine laws, experts said, is that there is no guaranteed salary. An employer could even fire a quarantined employee. President Trump has said that his administration would address financial relief for people quarantined.

· Quarantine Effectiveness — They generally help slow the spread of the disease but sometimes do not depending on the disease and the conditions of the quarantine, holding passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan appeared to create a kind of petri dish with more people infected.

· Historically In the United States, quarantines have been extremely rare. The last federal quarantine was in the early 1960s against a suspected smallpox outbreak. Instead the C.D.C. tends to issue health warnings, like advising pregnant women to avoid Southern Florida in 2016 during an outbreak of the Zika virus.

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How Cold Weather Affects Health: Understanding Winter’s Impact on the Body

Seasonal changes influence human health more than most people realise. Cold weather, in particular, places unique stress on the body and can worsen existing health conditions while increasing susceptibility to new illnesses. Understanding how cold weather affects health is essential for preventing seasonal complications and maintaining wellbeing during winter months.

In India, winter-related health issues vary by region but commonly include respiratory infections, cardiovascular strain and joint discomfort. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and World Health Organization (WHO), cold exposure is associated with increased morbidity, especially among older adults and people with chronic conditions.

Why Cold Weather Impacts the Body

The human body works constantly to maintain core temperature. In cold environments:

blood vessels constrict to conserve heat
energy expenditure increases
immune responses may weaken
organs work harder to maintain balance

These adaptations, while protective, also create health vulnerabilities.

Increased Risk of Infections

Weakened Immune Response

Cold weather can suppress immune function, making it harder for the body to fight infections.

Factors contributing to winter infections include:

reduced vitamin D due to less sunlight
dry air affecting mucosal defenses
closer indoor contact

Common winter infections include colds, flu and respiratory illnesses.

Respiratory Health Problems

Cold air irritates the respiratory tract.

This can lead to:

worsening asthma symptoms
bronchitis flare-ups
increased cough and breathlessness

WHO reports higher hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses during colder months.

Impact on Heart Health

Cold temperatures affect cardiovascular function.

Blood Vessel Constriction

Cold causes blood vessels to narrow, increasing:

blood pressure
heart workload

This raises the risk of:

heart attacks
strokes

People with existing heart disease are particularly vulnerable.

Joint and Muscle Pain

Cold weather affects musculoskeletal health.

Common complaints include:

joint stiffness
muscle aches
worsening arthritis pain

Lower temperatures reduce joint lubrication and increase sensitivity to pain.

Metabolic and Weight Changes

Winter often leads to:

reduced physical activity
increased calorie intake
metabolic slowdown

These changes contribute to weight gain and worsen metabolic conditions such as diabetes.

Skin and Hydration Issues

Cold air holds less moisture.

This leads to:

dry skin
cracked lips
worsening eczema

Dehydration is also common as thirst perception reduces in cold weather.

Mental Health Effects

Seasonal changes can influence mental wellbeing.

Cold weather is associated with:

low mood
reduced motivation
seasonal affective symptoms

Limited sunlight affects circadian rhythm and serotonin levels.

Cold Weather and Older Adults

Elderly individuals face higher risks due to:

reduced temperature regulation
weaker immunity
existing chronic conditions

Winter-related complications are a significant cause of hospitalisation in older populations.

Why Chronic Diseases Worsen in Winter

Conditions such as:

hypertension
arthritis
asthma
diabetes

often worsen due to reduced activity, stress on organs and infection risk.

Preventive Strategies for Winter Health

Maintain Body Warmth

Layered clothing and warm environments reduce cold stress.

Support Immunity

Adequate nutrition, vitamin intake and sleep strengthen immune defences.

Stay Physically Active

Indoor exercises and regular movement prevent stiffness and metabolic decline.

Manage Chronic Conditions

Regular monitoring and medication adherence are critical during winter.

Hydration and Skin Care

Drinking fluids and using moisturisers prevent dehydration and skin damage.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

identify seasonal risk factors
adjust treatment plans
prevent winter complications

NITI Aayog highlights seasonal preparedness as an important public health strategy.

When to Seek Medical Help

Medical attention is necessary if:

infections persist or worsen
chest pain or breathlessness occurs
joint pain limits mobility
mental health symptoms interfere with daily life

Early care prevents serious outcomes.

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Winter Health Risks

Ignoring cold weather effects may lead to:

severe infections
cardiovascular events
chronic pain progression
reduced quality of life

Seasonal awareness plays a critical role in long-term health.

Conclusion

Understanding how cold weather affects health allows individuals to take timely preventive measures. Winter increases the risk of infections, heart strain, respiratory problems, joint pain and mental health challenges. With proper warmth, nutrition, activity and preventive healthcare, most cold-related health issues are manageable and preventable. Seasonal care is not optional—it is essential for protecting health and wellbeing throughout the colder months.

References

ICMR – Seasonal Health and Infectious Disease Reports
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Seasonal Morbidity Data
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Seasonal Preparedness Strategy
WHO – Cold Weather and Health Impact Guideline
Lancet – Seasonal Variation in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases
Statista – Winter Health Trends and Illness Data
Indian Journal of Public Health – Climate and Health Studies

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