How Can I Stay Healthy in Winter?

Some health issues might become more serious in the cold weather and possibly become life-threatening. This is especially common if you are 65 years of age or older, or if you have a chronic illness, such as diabetes, COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, or renal disease. The risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes can all be enhanced by being cold. Continue reading to find out how you can stay well in winter.

Who's most at risk from cold weather?

Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. This includes:

- People who have a chronic medical condition
- Pregnant women
- Those on a low income (therefore may struggle to regularly heat their homes)
- Those who have a mental health condition
- People aged 65 and older
- Babies and children below the age of 5
- Persons living with a disability

How do you avoid getting sick and stay well in the winter?

We can become more susceptible to respiratory winter infections due to the cold, wet weather, ice, snow, and strong winds. These factors can also exacerbate any current health issues. However, you can take a lot of steps to stay healthy this winter.

Get advice if you feel unwell

You should seek medical attention as soon as you have symptoms of illness. This is especially important if you are 65 years of age or older or a member of another at-risk group.

You can seek assistance and guidance from:

- A pharmacy – pharmacists can recommend treatments for a variety of mild ailments. They will also let you know whether you should consult a doctor.
- Your GP – If your doctor thinks you need one, they may be able to see you without an appointment by phone, online, or both.
- NHS 111 – go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have an urgent medical issue, and you’re not sure what to do.

You are more likely to recover faster the earlier you seek advice.

Get a flu vaccine to stay well in winter

Flu can cause some individuals to get extremely ill, although it frequently gets better on its own. If you are advised to get the flu vaccine, you should.

The flu vaccination is a secure and reliable immunisation. It is made available yearly on the NHS to help safeguard those who are susceptible to the flu and its effects. The ideal time to get the flu jab is before the flu season officially begins in the fall. However, you can still get the vaccine later.

Keep your home warm

Follow these tips to keep you and your family warm and well at home:

- Heat your home to at least 18C if you are not very mobile, are 65 or older, or have a health issue like heart or lung disease.
- If possible, keep your bedroom warm at night; additionally, keep the bedroom window closed.
- You can safely keep your home lower than 18C if you're under 65, healthy, and active, as long as you're comfortable.
- To stay warm in bed, use an electric blanket or a hot water bottle, but never both at once.
- Eat at least 1 hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm.
- Have hot drinks regularly.
- Babies should sleep in environments that are heated to between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- To stop draughts, close doors at night and draw the curtains.
- Get monthly inspections of your heating system by trained professionals.

You can book your flu jab at your local Knights pharmacy branch to avoid serious complications from seasonal illness.

 

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Shop online at Chemist.net for the best products to help you stay well in winter.

 

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This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.

 

Updated September 2022