Stay Well This Winter
Winter conditions can be harsh on our health, worsening existing health conditions, increasing the risk of falls, and making us more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses. Those aged 65 or older, as well as people with long-term conditions such as heart or kidney disease, COPD (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis), asthma, or diabetes, are at higher risk. Cold temperatures can also raise blood pressure, potentially increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. However, there are many things you can do to stay well this winter.
Stay Strong with Winter Vaccines
Getting vaccinated helps protect you and your loved ones by lowering the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and preventing the spread of illness. Every year, thousands of older adults, people with certain health conditions, and children under 5 require hospital care for flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other preventable illnesses. Sadly, thousands die each winter. The risk from these viruses is higher during winter when they circulate most, as people tend to spend more time indoors.
The NHS is offering free flu and COVID-19 vaccines to those most at risk of serious illness. As these viruses evolve and protection can diminish over time, it’s important to come forward every year if you are eligible, even if you’ve had previous vaccinations.
You may be invited by the NHS to get your free winter vaccines, but you don’t need to wait for this invitation. If you’re eligible, you can book an appointment right away.
You can book both vaccines online at www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or via the NHS app. If you’re unable to access the internet, you can call 119. 119 is also available by text relay on 18001 119, and there’s the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service at www.signvideo.co.uk/nhs119.
You can also book your flu vaccine at your GP practice or, if you’re over 18, at a pharmacy via www.nhs.uk/flu-pharmacy. COVID-19 vaccines are also available at pharmacies offering walk-in services – find one at www.nhs.uk/covid-walk-in.
Residents in care homes for older adults will be offered vaccinations in their care homes.
Who is Eligible for Which Vaccines?
- Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines: Available for those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and residents in care homes for older adults. People aged 6 months and over with specific long-term health conditions may also be eligible for one or both of these vaccines.
- Flu Vaccine: Free for carers of an older or disabled person, those receiving a carer’s allowance, and anyone living with someone with a weakened immune system. The flu vaccine is also offered to children aged 2-3 (on 31 August) via their GP and to school-aged children from reception to year 11 via the school immunisation service (usually at school). School-aged children can also get the flu vaccine at their GP practice if they have a long-term health condition.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine: If you’re aged 65 or over or have certain health conditions, you’re eligible for a one-off pneumococcal vaccine, which helps protect against pneumonia. You can have this alongside the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Ask your GP practice.
- Shingles Vaccine: Available for those aged 70-79 or those who turned 65 on or after 1st September 2023. Contact your GP practice for more details.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine: Available for those who turned 75 on or after 1st September 2024 and those already aged 75-79. This vaccine is separate from others and can help protect against severe illness from RSV, which can lead to pneumonia.
For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/vaccinations.
How to Avoid Passing On Flu and COVID-19
To reduce the spread of viruses that spread through sneezing, coughing, and breathing:
- If you’re unwell, stay home and avoid contact with people, especially those who are vulnerable.
- Let visitors know if you’re showing symptoms.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, dispose of tissues immediately, and wash your hands.
- Consider wearing a mask if you have symptoms, are in close contact with someone at higher risk, or when in crowded spaces. Open a window during their visit if it’s not too cold.
- Get all the vaccines for which you’re eligible.
Treatments for COVID-19
The NHS offers treatments for those with COVID-19 who are at high risk of severe illness. For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/CovidTreatments.
If you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments, keep lateral flow tests at home and test as soon as you develop symptoms, even if mild. Tests are available for free at participating pharmacies if you’re eligible.
If your test is positive, call your GP, hospital specialist, or NHS 111 as soon as possible. If your test is negative but you still have symptoms, do a total of 3 tests over 3 days.
Keeping Yourself and Your Home Warm
Keeping warm during winter helps prevent illnesses such as colds, flu, and more serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, and depression.
Age UK and UKHSA suggest heating your home to at least 18°C in the rooms you use most, such as the living room and bedroom. Cold indoor temperatures can seriously affect your health, especially if you’re older or have medical conditions.
To stay warm while managing costs:
- Reduce draughts by using draught excluders or an old towel to block gaps under doors.
- Keep bedroom windows closed at night.
- Wear layers of thin clothing instead of one thick layer.
- Make sure you’re eating enough and drinking hot beverages.
- Ensure your heating and cooking appliances are safe by contacting a Gas Safe registered engineer. Visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk for advice.
Check for Safety Concerns at Home
To make your home safer, consider moving rugs and mats from the top or bottom of stairs, installing a night light near your bed for night-time navigation, and removing trip hazards like wires or clutter.
Fire Safety
Test your smoke alarms monthly and ensure there’s one on each floor. You should also have a carbon monoxide alarm in each room with a gas, oil, coal, or wood-burning appliance.
Visit www.ohfsc.co.uk to complete an online home fire safety check.
Seeking Financial Support
Make sure you’re receiving all the financial help you’re entitled to, such as grants, benefits, and energy efficiency advice. If you qualify for Pension Credit, you could also be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators.
For further advice, visit Age UK’s website or call 0800 169 6565.
Mental Health Support
It’s normal to feel down from time to time. For mental health tips and advice, visit www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, talk to your GP practice about NHS Talking Therapies, or self-refer at www.nhs.uk/talk.
If you or a loved one are in a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and press Option 2 for 24-hour support.
Check Your Medicine Cabinet
Ask your pharmacist for advice on which over-the-counter medicines to keep for common winter illnesses like colds, sinusitis, or earaches. It’s important to keep warm, rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat at least one hot meal a day, and use medicines to manage symptoms. For advice, speak to your local pharmacist, or find one at www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.
Keep Active
Staying active can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression, and dementia. Regular exercise also lowers the risk of falling and helps recovery if you do get ill.
Try to reduce the amount of time spent sitting. Activities like walking, stretching, or light exercises are beneficial for maintaining both physical and mental health. For tips, visit www.nhs.uk/keepactive.
Hand Washing
Washing your hands regularly helps prevent the spread of viruses like flu and norovirus. It’s particularly important when visiting someone in hospital or other healthcare settings.
If you can’t access soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Wash your hands for at least 40 seconds. For more guidance, visit www.nhs.uk/handwashing.
Prescriptions
Make sure you have any necessary medications before pharmacies or GP practices close over the holidays. You can order prescriptions online, by phone, or through NHS-approved apps. A list of approved apps is available at www.nhs.uk/approvedproviders.
Look Out for Others
Check in on elderly neighbours, friends, or family, especially if they live alone. Ensure they have enough supplies to get through the winter and encourage them to take precautions against the cold.
For advice on how to help, visit www.ageuk.org.uk or call 0800 169 6565.
Where to Go for the Right Medical Help
For health concerns, contact your pharmacy or GP practice. If you’re unsure where to go, use NHS 111 to get the right advice. You can reach NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk, by phone, or through the NHS App.
For emergencies, call 999 or visit A&E when someone’s life is at risk.