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
Keep warm and get help with heating
If you can, heat the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom to at least 18°C. This is particularly important if you have a health condition. It’s best to keep your bedroom windows closed at night
Keep your home warm, efficiently and safely – be careful using electric blankets, and do not use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home – it’s inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep in the warmth by drawing curtains at dusk, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and make sure radiators are not obstructed.
Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold-related illness or falls. Make sure you have the food, fuel and medicine you need at home so you don’t need to go out.
Maintain your body heat – make sure you move around and stay active, and wear many thin layers.
For more information and to get help with heating, visit: How to stay well in winter – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Local advice:
Brighton & Hove Cost of Living Support – www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/cost-living-support
Find information on money advice, benefits, emergency help, free and low cost food options, wellbeing support, energy advice and the cost of living crisis appeal.
Warm Welcome Directory – lists indoor activities and warm places to go this winter: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/warm-welcome
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
Get your coronavirus (COVID-19) booster and flu vaccinations
Some people with a learning disability can get very ill if they get flu or coronavirus.
The best way to help protect yourself against coronavirus and flu is to have your flu and coronavirus b
ooster vaccinations (jabs). The vaccines are free if you have a learning disability.
Getting your flu and coronavirus vaccines are 2 of the best things you can do to help keep you and others around you safe this winter.
Find out more about: Flu vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
More information
Source: How to stay well in winter (Thank you to the NHS for this information)