Can you get sick from falling into freezing water?

Yes, falling into freezing water can cause several health problems, some of which can be life-threatening.

1. Hypothermia: This is the most immediate and dangerous risk. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the core body temperature to drop. In freezing water, this process can happen very quickly, as the water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, slurred speech, confusion, loss of coordination, and slowed breathing and heart rate. If left untreated, hypothermia can lead to coma and death.

2. Cold Water Immersion (CWI) Shock: This is a sudden involuntary gasp reflex that can occur when someone falls into cold water. CWI shock can cause water to be inhaled into the lungs, leading to choking, coughing, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, CWI shock can also cause a heart attack or stroke.

3. Frostbite: This is a condition that occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze. Frostbite is most likely to occur on exposed areas of the body, such as the face, hands, and feet. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, tingling, pain, and a change in skin color (from white to blue to black). If left untreated, frostbite can lead to tissue damage and amputation.

4. Drowning: Falling into freezing water can also increase the risk of drowning. As the body becomes colder, it becomes more difficult to move and think clearly, making it harder to stay afloat. Additionally, cold water can cause the heart and lungs to stop working properly, even if the person does not inhale water.

5. Secondary complications: In addition to the immediate risks mentioned above, falling into freezing water can also lead to secondary complications, such as pneumonia, kidney failure, and sepsis. These complications can develop after the person has been rescued and warmed up, and they can be life-threatening.