Only a plan for homeless

In France, there is no precise definition of the meteorological concepts of cold and cold, although the threshold from -5 to -10 ° C have been adopted by the plan "winter emergency" government. But this plan aims to prevent hypothermia in only very socially excluded people, through a system of detection of these people (marauding) and their care in shelters.

Abroad, the prevention of excess winter deaths is also focused on the prevention of hypothermia and education of the general population, through simple behavioral advice.

According to the report, for each of the listed diseases, should, in France, to develop specific recommendations for each of the identified sensitive populations. It is mostly elderly and people suffering from ischemic heart disease for cardiovascular diseases, respiratory failure and asthma to respiratory infections with a special interest in children with asthma.

However, the authors acknowledge, questions remain on the choice of the best biometeorological indicator (absolute or perceived temperature), the relationship between this indicator and the incidence of specific diseases. They require further studies to better define the means of surveillance, early warning and prevention.