Cold weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications, especially if you:
- are 65 or older
- have a long-term health condition
- have a disability
- have a mental health condition
However, there are things that you can do to stay warm and well during the cold weather months. Here are 3 ways.
1. Get a flu jab
People with a learning disability are more likely than other people to become seriously ill if they get the flu.
Having a flu vaccine is the best way to stop getting the flu. It is important that people with a learning disability and those who support them have the flu vaccine to reduce the chance of the flu virus being passed on to them.
Find out more about getting the flu jab
2. Keep your home warm
Follow these tips to keep warm and well at home:
- heat your home to at least 18 degrees Celsius
- have at least 1 hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm
- have hot drinks regularly
- draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts
3. Get advice if you feel unwell
If you are 65 or over, or in one of the other at-risk groups, it is important to get medical help as soon as you feel unwell. The sooner you get advice, the sooner you are likely to get better.
You can get help and advice from:
- a pharmacy – pharmacists can give treatment advice for a range of minor illnesses and can tell you if you need to see a doctor
- your GP – you may be able to speak to a GP online or over the phone, or go in for an appointment if they think you need to
- NHS 111 – go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do
More information
Source: How to stay well in winter (Thank you to the NHS)