Winter conditions like flu can be seriously bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 or older, and people with long-term conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease.
Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
The cold and damp weather, ice, snow and high winds can all aggravate and existing health problems and make us more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, including flu. But there are lots of things you can do to stay well this winter.
Five things we recommend you do to to stay well this winter:
- Make sure you get your flu jab.
- Keep your home at 18c or higher if you can.
- Take advantage of financial schemes and discounts to help you pay for heating.
- Visit your local pharmacist as soon as you start to feel unwell with the symptoms of a respiratory winter illness.
- Look out for other people who may need a bit of extra help over the winter.
Prevent getting flu
The best way to prevent getting flu is to have the flu vaccine, which gives good protection against flu.
Find out more
During the winter months it’s important to look after yourself, but also to look out for others. Follow our helpful advice to make sure that you, your friends, family and neighbours can all stay well this winter.
Click on the images to read our advice.
Would you know where to go for the right medical advice?
Our handy infographic can help you decide where to go for the right care.
Find out more