Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather including those with long-term health conditions and disabilities.
There are a number of precautions that you can take to help stay well, warm and happy throughout the winter months.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
It's important to get your winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if you're eligible. Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms.
Who should have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines?
You can get both the NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you:
are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
have certain health conditions
are pregnant
live in a care home for older adults
Other care home residents, carers and people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system can get the flu vaccine.
Children aged 2 or 3 years and school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) can get the children's flu vaccine.
Frontline health and social care workers can also get flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
The last date you will be able to get your flu vaccination is 31 March 2025, but it's best to get vaccinated sooner to protect yourself during winter.
The last date you will be able to get your COVID-19 vaccination is 31 January 2025.
Other vaccinations
You may also be eligible for other vaccinations, including the:
pneumococcal vaccine (if you're aged 65 or over)
RSV vaccine (if you're pregnant or aged 75 to 79 – if you turned 80 on or after 1 September 2024, you're also eligible for the vaccine until 31 August 2025)
Get advice if you feel unwell
If you are in a vulnerable group then as soon as you feel unwell you should seek advice. This will lead to getting the best and most effective treatment as quickly as possible so that you can recover well and hopefully prevent prolonged illness or a more serious condition from developing.
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 are not sure what to do
In an emergency, go to A&E immediately or call 999.
Keep warm and get help with heating
Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
Heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom. This is particularly important if you have a health condition. It's best to keep your bedroom windows closed at night.
Make sure you're getting all the help that you're entitled to. There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.
Find out more about ways to save energy in your home from GOV.UK or call the government helpline on 0800 444 202.
You can also find out more from GOV.UK about benefits and financial support if you're on a low income.
If you are struggling to heat your home you could also search for warm hubs in your local area. These are safe spaces, often held in libraries for people to go to be somewhere safe and home. Often there is also access to hot drinks, snacks and internet access as well as guidance on how to stay warm at home.
Exercise, eat well and sleep well.
General self-care is really important throughout the winter months. You may need to change your normal exercise routine depending on weather conditions and your symptoms but there are lots of options available to you to exercise from home.
Trying to eat well including having a diet rich in vitamins and minerals as well as staying well hydrated and having a hot meal every day are important for good health.
Stick to a regular sleep routine to help you to get the rest that you need. Your body burns more calories through the cold months trying to keep warm so you may feel more tired. The dark mornings and evenings can make it easier to sleep.
Ensure that you have a comfortable bed, your room is a good temperature and that you have all the cushions, blankets and pillows you need to make your body as supported and relaxed as possible.
Listening to a sleep story, meditation or guided relaxation may help you drift off to a better night's sleep making your body more ready and able to do what you need it to do the following day.
For further information visit: NHS - Live well - Keep Warm - Keep Well
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