It impairs vision while driving, raises the cost of fuel bills, and can result in serious health issues.

To get a true sense of the effects the frigid, sub-zero temperatures have had in the region, look no further than area hospitals.Whether it's due to the flu, or weather-induced injuries, officials from three area health care providers agree there's been a definite uptick in the volume of patients."The flu is definitely here," said Lisa Johnson, vice president of public relations and marketing at Blue Mountain Health System. "They are seeing the H1N1 strain."In addition, Johnson said Blue Mountain has seen its share of weather-related injuries as well, such as various people on ladders with significant falls that resulted in fractures and lacerations."At the Palmerton campus, we have seen many dislocated shoulders and wrists that require sedation to have them put back in place," she said. "Much of this is due to ski injuries from the ski area."Johnson added, "I believe we are seeing sicker patients recently, higher acuity than normal."It's been much the same at Lehigh Valley Health Network, according to Dr. Jeffrey Gesell."On days like (Tuesday), when we have winter storms or snow, we tend to see an increase in cold-related injuries, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and snow sports," Gesell said.Ironically, he said that motor vehicle accidents on heavy snow days actually tend to be less intense because of the slower speed involved. As a result, more cases are fender benders, he said.From a fall standpoint, Gesell said it's usually injuries to the extremities, particularly the wrists and ankles, as well as head injuries.As for snow sports, he said there are more skiing and snowboarding injuries, particularly to the upper and lower extremities and head injuries. In addition, people are more likely to break out their snowmobiles, which often travel at high speeds, especially when mixed with alcohol."We always worry about cold weather exposure, hypothermia, such as frost bite, chilblain," he said. "Those can all be seen on any cold day."Gesell said there is also what is referred to as the susceptible population, which includes the elderly and the homeless. Alcohol can play a role in any cold weather exposure, he added.Since people typically crank their heaters up inside their homes. That often can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, he added.Because the influenza season is at its peak, he said LVHN stresses to patients to get their flu vaccines sooner rather than later.As for its emergency room census, Gesell said, "We're definitely at volume, and are above where we were at last year and in years past.""Enjoy the winter months," he said. "There's plenty of fun things to do; just be careful when you're out there, and be smart about it."Or, if possible, avoid going outdoors altogether, said Dr. Melanie Turock, St. Luke's Miners Campus, Coaldale."We've had a higher than usual volume of motor vehicle accidents, with some pretty significant injuries, as well as several slips and falls," Turock said. "If you don't have to go outside in the snowstorms or in the ice, stay at home."Turock said the hospital has seen an increase in the number of patients."This winter has been much worse weather-wise, with the snowstorms, heavier ice, and significantly colder," she said. "We've definitely seen an uptick in injuries come through the ER related to weather."Which is why Turock cautioned individuals to avoid going outdoors on days such as these."It's not worth it, especially with our fire police, EMS, struggling to do their job; the last thing they need is more people on the road," she said. "It's not worth the risk, stay at home."