Keeping warm and well in Winter

Winter weather is associated with an increase in illnesses and injuries. Cold and wintry conditions can cause severe illness and, in the worst cases, people can die. The cold weather, combined with low levels of sunlight after the clocks go back, means that many of us can feel in poor health. However, with some simple precautions, most people can be prepared and prevent much of the misery often associated with winter weather. Severe cold snaps can have dramatic effects on everyday life, especially for those people who are vulnerable because of poor health or disability. Here are a few tips:

Keep warm

Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). Keep your bedroom window closed on a winter’s night. Breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.

Get financial support

There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. See how to heat your home below

Look after yourself

get your free flu jab if you are aged 65 or over, have an underlying health condition, live in a residential or nursing home or are the main carer for an older or disabled person. Some children are also eligible
the NHS website provides information about flu vaccination. Visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine to learn more. Contact your GP or Pharmacy for an appointment as soon as possible
don’t delay in getting treatment for minor winter ailments like colds or sore throats. Visit your local pharmacist for advice on treatment before it gets worse so you can recover quicker
layer your clothing whether you are indoors or outside. Wrap a scarf around your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air. Wear a hat
wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside
wear slippers and use rugs and throws to keep warm
eat one hot meal a day and eat regularly
use a hot water bottle to warm your feet and body
move around once an hour to warm up, but not strenuous exercise
if you know there is going to be a cold snap, stock up on food and stay in until it is safe to go out. Ask a neighbour or volunteer for support.
always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and encourage visitors and relatives to do the same; throw away used tissues as soon as possible; wash your hands regularly with soap and water and use a hand sanitiser gel when you’re out and about; stock up on over-the-counter cough and cold remedies
get your Covid 19 seasonal booster

Stay active

if possible, try to move around at least once an hour.
chair-based exercises and simply moving your arms and legs and wiggling your toes are helpful if walking is difficult.
make warm drinks regularly. Moving keeps the air warmer and the drink will warm you up.

Help to heat your home

There are various options available to help you heat your home, including:

Winter Fuel Payments government payments to help you pay for your gas and electricity and keep warm in winter
Cold Weather Payments are made to help you keep warm over extended cold spells of weather.
Energy Services, Newcastle City Council provide advice, information, referrals for grants for cavity wall and loft insulation, replacement boilers and other energy efficiency measures.

See Help with heating problems and how to pay for them for more information.

What to do in extreme weather

Severe or extreme weather can include: high winds, thunderstorms, ice, snow, lightning, heavy rain and extreme heat or fog. This can cause problems with travelling, flooding, power cuts, loss of water supply, damage to property and injuries.

The Met Office issues weather warnings when severe weather is forecast and there’s a risk to the UK.

Wellbeing Hubs

Wellbeing Hubs are warm welcoming place to spend time in Newcastle. Local venues, such as libraries and community centres, offer a range of support such as hot drinks, free wifi, place to charge your devices, information, advice and more.