Look after yourself in the cold weather

When the temperature drops below 8^oC, some people can become at greater risk of a range of health conditions, including heart attack, strokes, flu, pneumonia, falls and hypothermia. It can also affect people with mental health conditions such as dementia. To keep well at home, it is advised that you should try and heat your home to at least 18^oC, particularly if you are not very mobile, aged 65 or above and/or have a health condition.

Make sure that you keep your bedroom warm at night too – keep the bedroom window closed and check whether your heating will stay on or go off. Drawing curtains and keeping doors closed will help reduce cold draughts. If you have a baby, ensuring that their room is between 16^oC and 20^oC reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, also sometimes called ‘cot death’).

If you are younger, active and healthy you can have your home temperature lower than 18^oC provided you are still comfortable.

Keeping your home warm can be a particular challenge if you are on a low income, so make sure that you’re receiving all of the help to heat your home that you are entitled to.

Choose well this winter

You can help us keep the hospital running effectively by choosing the most appropriate care provider if you are unwell. Colds, ‘flu’, diarrhoea and vomiting are all common complaints over the winter, but can normally be effectively managed with rest, fluids and ‘over the counter’ medications – in most cases an Emergency Department won’t be able to provide more effective treatment than a high street pharmacist.

If you are worried it might be something more serious you may be able to get quicker treatment at your local GP than by coming to hospital – although we are always here when you need us.

If you aren’t certain where you should come, you can call 111 – for free – and speak to the NHS 111 team who will be able to advise you.

For life threatening emergencies

If you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency, call NHS 111 for clinical advice, assessment and for direction to the most appropriate services for treatment.

For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist. You can also access NHS advice at www.nhs.uk