Keeping healthy in winter
In winter as the days get shorter and the temperature starts to drop there is a greater tendency to stay indoors, be less active and eat comfort foods.
Winter can also bring increased risks of illness, so here are our top tips for keeping healthy this winter:
Winter safety
It is important to stay warm over winter and to be aware of your safety when using wheat packs, hot water bottles, electric blankets, fires, and heaters. It is also important to store cough and cold medicine away from children to avoid poisoning. For more information, visit the Winter safety page.
Wash, Wipe, Cover
In winter, colds, flu and gastro can cause disruption to your home, social and work life. Many of these common infectious diseases are spread by germs on our hands. You can reduce the risk of getting sick or passing infections on to others by washing your hands, wiping down frequently touched surfaces, and covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. See Wash, Wipe, Cover for more information.
Vaccinations
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious infection that is more serious than the common cold. Annual vaccination against seasonal flu can reduce your chances of getting the flu and can also reduce the severity of flu symptoms if you do catch the flu.
COVID-19 vaccines help protect people most at risk of severe disease from COVID-19 infection. Make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination.
Healthy eating
Eating nutritious foods can help keep your immune system strong. It is also important to keep hydrated in winter, so ensure you drink plenty of water.
Be active
Being active every day can help you feel more energetic, healthier and can even make your world look better and brighter.
Sleep well
A good night’s sleep is essential for your health and wellbeing. Lack of sleep can have a serious effect on your immune system, making you more vulnerable to getting sick.
Get a health check
It’s a good idea to see your doctor for a regular health check even if you are currently feeling fit and healthy. Regular health checks and screening tests can help you to stay healthy by finding health problems at an early stage and help to prevent and detect serious illness.
Get a plan
The cold weather in winter can worsen pre-existing chronic illnesses such as asthma and diabetes. People with asthma and diabetes should review their health action plans, or speak to their GPs if they do not have one in place.