How to stay well this winter.

Winter comes with a higher risk of health issues, particularly for older people or those with long-term conditions and compromised immune systems. 

Being cold can raise the risk of higher blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The cold, damp weather can aggravate existing health problems, making you more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses. But there are things you can do to stay well. 

Top tips to stay well from the NHS

• Get your vaccines and boosters. Protect yourself and others by getting your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccination.
• Keep warm during the day. Wrap up in lots of layers of thin clothes, even when you go to bed. Keep doors closed to block draughts. Try to heat rooms you regularly use to at least 18°C. Make sure you're getting the help you're entitled to with your heating costs.
• Keep moving. Move around indoors and try to get outside for a walk. Avoid sitting for more than one hour. 
• Wrap up at night. Wear layers to bed, including socks. Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket. (Don't use a hot water bottle and electric blanket together.) Keep your windows closed at night. 

If you get ill

• If you need medical help right now, call 111 or use NHS 111 online.
• If it is a real emergency and life-threatening, then you can call 999.
• If it's less urgent, contact your doctor or pharmacist. 
• We have created a GP resource document to give top tips to accessing your GP.  You can read this here.
• We also have a  Community Pharmacy document that explains more about how this service works.  You can read this here.