Cold weather can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. Older adults, young children, pregnant people and those with long\u2011term conditions (for example, heart or lung disease) are more vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By preparing early and taking simple steps, you can reduce risks and stay well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read the government’s guidance on how to stay warm and well during winter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaccines help to protect ourselves, and those around us and prevent severe illness from winter viruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The flu vaccine is offered each year to those most vulnerable from flu. It changes each year to protect against the strains of flu circulating, so it\u2019s important to be vaccinated each year. Find out who is being offered the flu vaccine and how to book it<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There is also an easy read guide to having the flu vaccine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n COVID-19 spreads more easily in winter so, if you are eligible, it’s important to get your vaccination. Find out who is being offered the COVID vaccine and how to book it<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is also an easy read COVID-19 guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RSV is a major cause of chest infections, and is particularly dangerous for infants, the elderly and individuals with certain health conditions. The virus can cause pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, leading to hospitalisations and even death in some cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The RSV vaccine is offered free on the NHS to pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation, adults aged 75 or over, all residents in care home for older adults (aged 18 years and over), and adults aged 65-74 who have a chronic respiratory condition or are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get a free RSV vaccination<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. The vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from pneumococcal infections. Find out more about the pneumococcal vaccine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have symptoms of a cold, flu, sickness bug or other infectious illness, try to stay at home and avoid close contact with other people until you feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a fever, stay at home until your temperature has returned to normal. If you have diarrhoea and\/or vomiting, stay at home for 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped to help prevent spreading infection to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simple steps can also help prevent infections spreading and protect yourself and others around you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These simple steps can help reduce the spread of infections, protect vulnerable people, and reduce the need for antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See the NHS advice on things you can do to help yourself stay well in winter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re struggling to heat your home, there are grants, benefits and advice for energy efficiency and bill support. Vulnerable residents can join the Priority Services Register<\/a> with energy suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Devon County Council has a website providing a range of advice to help you with the cost of living. It includes information about support you can get to help with energy costs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Devon’s emergency planning website also provides advice on coping with winter weather<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n UKHSA (with the Met Office) issues Cold\u2011Health Alerts when severe cold could impact health. Sign up and check current status<\/a> from November to March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Older neighbours, relatives, friends and other elderly members of the community are more vulnerable in the winter months and may need a bit of extra help this winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try to keep in touch, check if they are feeling under the weather, help them stock up on food supplies and make sure they have the necessary medication before the Christmas holidays start or before a spell of bad weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If they\u2019ve been prescribed medication, don\u2019t forget to tell them to pick up their prescription before the Christmas holidays start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many GPs and pharmacies will close over the holidays. If you do need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111<\/a> or visit NHS Services<\/a> to find a local service that is open.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVaccinations and winter health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Flu vaccine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
COVID-19 vaccine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
RSV vaccination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pneumococcal vaccination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you do feel unwell this winter help stop the spread of infections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Financial and practical support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cold weather alerts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Look out for each other<\/h2>\n\n\n\n