How Do You Stay Healthy During Winter?
If you are 65 years of age or older, or if you have a chronic health condition, the cold weather can aggravate some health issues and potentially cause life-threatening complications. Stay healthy in Sudbury and boost your immune system this winter. Continue reading to find out more.
Who’s most at risk from cold weather?
The impacts of cold weather can be more dangerous for some people. This comprises:
– People with a disability
– Babies and children under the age of 5
– Those aged 65 and older
– Pregnant women
– People who have a mental health condition
Preventing the spread of the flu
Practising excellent hygiene will help you avoid contracting the flu and transmitting it to others.
Always wash your hands frequently in warm water and soap, and remember to:
– Sanitise surfaces like your phone, computer keyboard, and door handle frequently to get rid of germs.
– Cover your nose and mouth with tissues whenever you cough or sneeze.
– Quickly dispose of used tissues in a dustbin.
By avoiding unnecessary interactions with others while you’re contagious, you can also actually prevent the flu from spreading.
Get advice if you feel sick
You should seek medical attention as soon as you have symptoms of illness. This is especially vital if you are 65 years of age or older, or in another at-risk group.
You can get assistance and advice from:
– A pharmacy – Pharmacists can recommend treatments for a variety of mild ailments and let you know whether you should consult a doctor.
– Your GP – If your doctor thinks you need one, they may be able to see you without an appointment by phone, online, or both.
– NHS 111 – go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 If you’re unsure of what to do because of an urgent medical issue.
You are more likely to recover faster the sooner you seek advice.
Get a flu jab and stay healthy in Sudbury
Flu can cause some people to get extremely ill, although it frequently gets better on its own. If you are advised to get the flu vaccine, it’s important that you get it.
The flu jab is a secure and reliable immunisation. It is made available yearly on the NHS to help safeguard those who are susceptible to the flu and its effects. The ideal time to get the flu jab is in the autumn before the flu season begins. However, you can still get it later.
Who can get the NHS flu vaccine?
The flu jab is given free on the NHS to individuals who:
– Are 50 and above (including those who will be 50 by 31 March 2023)
– Have particular medical conditions
– Are pregnant
– Are in long-stay residential care
– Get a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled individual who may be at risk if you fall ill
– Stay with a person who is more likely to get a severe infection as a result of a weakened immune system. This includes someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Keep your home warm to stay healthy in Sudbury
Consider the following advice to stay healthy and warm at home with your family:
– Heat your home to at least 18C if you aren’t very mobile, are 65 or older, or have a health issue like heart or lung disease.
– If you can, keep your bedroom at 18 degrees Celsius throughout the night.
– If you’re under 65, healthy, and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18 degrees Celsius as long as you’re comfortable.
– Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket to stay warm in bed, but never both at once.
– Drink hot drinks and eat regularly to help keep yourself warm.
– To lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C.
– Close doors and draw curtains at nightfall to prevent draughts.
– Get monthly inspections of your heating system by trained professionals.
Tips to boost your immune system & stay healthy in Sudbury during winter
One of the numerous systems that make up your body is the immune system, along with the respiratory, digestive, and other systems. Just like the rest of your body, it functions best when you take proper care of it. This is accomplished by continuously using easy practices like:
– Getting enough sleep
– Washing hands frequently
– Consider taking supplements
– Working out regularly
– Eating more fruit and vegetables
– Drinking hot drinks regularly
Get in touch or visit your nearest G.M. Graham Pharmacies branch for more information on how to stay healthy in Sudbury.
This post was written on behalf of G.M. Graham Pharmacies by Pharmacy Mentor
