Top tips for fighting the flu this winter! You are here: Home » News Detail
28th October 2015
If you’re dreading the coming winter months with the dark and chilly nights kicking in, it’s time for you to think about that flu jab and other ways to reduce the risk of catching the dreaded lurgy.
Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health, especially if you’re over 65 and/or have a long term condition.
How do you get the flu? Flu is highly contagious and can be spread through coughing and sneezing. The flu virus is contained in the tiny droplets that come out of your nose and mouth and can hang around on surfaces for 24 hours. Anyone who breathes in the droplets or touches the surfaces where it’s landed can get the flu.
How can you reduce the risk of getting the flu? Here’s our top tips:
Get your flu jab Contact your GP or ask a pharmacist to find out how to get your flu jab and for information about the benefits of having one. To find out if you’re eligible for a free flu jab, please click here.
Keep warm - Keep warm in winter – both inside and outdoors. Doing this over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F) You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer.
Make sure you’re receiving all the help you’re entitled to Learn how to make your home more energy efficient and improve your heating. Take advantage of financial schemes and discounts to help you pay.
Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights Breathing too much cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections so keep those windows closed when the temperature plummets.
Keep active when you’re indoors. Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so.
Wear several layers of light clothes Because they trap warm air better than one bulky layer.
Check your heating and cooking appliances are safe Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they’re operating properly.
For details of where you can get your nearest flu jab and how to get help, visit your local pharmacist or GP or go to NHS Staywell to find out more.