Posted on: 7 November 2024
The NHS in West Yorkshire is encouraging people to stay well this winter to look after themselves, their loved ones, and busy NHS services.
With colder weather comes increased health risks like nasty winter bugs and respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu and RSV. Loneliness also increases during winter, particularly in vulnerable communities such as older people or those with disabilities.
West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership is asking everyone in the region to consider how they can make a difference this year, as it relaunches it’s together we can campaign.
There are 5 key things the NHS is asking people in West Yorkshire to do this winter: keep warm, wash your hands, check in on each other, get vaccinated and choose the right service.
1. Keep warm
Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems. Your home should be heated to at least 18°C in the rooms you use regularly, such as your living room and bedroom. There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.
Find out more about ways to save energy in your home from GOV.UK, or call the government helpline on 0800 444 202.
You can also find out more from GOV.UK about benefits and financial support if you're on a low income or get support if you need help with your energy bills.
2. Wash your hands
Practicing good hand hygiene can also help to reduce the spread of viruses and prevent you and your loved ones from becoming unwell. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
3. Check in on each other
Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra help over the winter. There's a lot you can do to help people who need support.
Icy pavements and roads can be very slippery, and cold weather can stop people from going out.
Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they're feeling unwell.
Make sure they're stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days, in case they cannot go out.
If they do need to go out in the cold, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around the mouth to protect them from cold air, and to reduce their risk of chest infections.
4. Get vaccinated
It's important to get your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations if you're eligible. Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms. Find out if you’re eligible and how to book your vaccinations on the NHS.uk website.
5. Choose the right service when you need help
Choosing the right services for your ailment or illness helps to ensure emergency services are prioritised for those who need them most.
If you’re unsure, NHS 111 online can help with urgent, non-emergency issues, including help with your dental care, mental health, and existing medical conditions. If you don’t have internet access, you can call 111.
For most mild winter illnesses and ailments, you should get better at home using over the counter remedies such as cold and flu tablets, lots of fluids and plenty of rest. Pharmacists can also give advice without the need for an appointment if you have a minor illness or ailment.
By sticking to these 5 simple things, together we can protect each other and our NHS.
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said: “It’s really important that people look after themselves and anyone who is vulnerable during the winter months. Our aim throughout winter is to keep as many people as possible well at home and out of hospital. It’s the simple steps that really do make a difference in looking after our communities and our services over winter.”
Find out more about how together we can stay well this winter.