How to Stay Well This Winter

Top tips to stay well from the NHS

• Get your vaccines and boosters. Protect yourself and others by getting your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccination.

• Keep warm during the day. Wrap up in lots of layers of thin clothes, even when you go to bed. Keep doors closed to block draughts. Try to heat rooms you regularly use to at least 18°C. Make sure you're getting the help you're entitled to with your heating costs. Check your heating and cooking appliances are safe. Contact a Gas Safe registered from the Gas Safe Register website.

  For fire safety advice specific to you and your home, visit the online home fire safety check website to complete a safety check for your home.

• Keep moving. Move around indoors and try to get outside for a walk. Avoid sitting for more than one hour. 
• Wrap up at night. Wear layers to bed, including socks. Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket. (Don't use a hot water bottle and electric blanket together.) Keep your windows closed at night. 
• Eat well. Make sure you eat a balanced diet with lots of seasonal fruit and vegetables. And try to eat at least one hot meal a day.  
• Stay hydrated. Regular meals and hot drinks can help you keep warm.
• Have your medication on hand. Make sure you have the right medicines at home in case you get poorly. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure what medications you should have. 
• Stop the spread of germs. Protect yourself and others by washing your hands with warm, soapy water, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wearing a mask in public spaces.
• Look after your mental health. The winter months can take a toll on our mental wellbeing, so make sure you're looking after your mental health, just as you do your physical health. If you are feeling down, speak to someone – a friend, family member, or a healthcare professional like your doctor. 
• Look in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives. Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra help. There's a lot you can do to help people who need support, including clearing pathways, keeping in touch, checking they have enough food and medicine supplies. 

Get advice if you feel unwell

You can get help and advice from:

• a pharmacy – pharmacists can give treatment advice for a range of minor illnesses and can tell you if you need to see a GP
• your GP – you may be able to speak to a GP online or over the phone, or go in for an appointment if they think you need to
• NHS 111 – go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do

The sooner you get advice, the sooner you're likely to get better.

In an emergency, go to A&E immediately or call 999.

British Sign Language Video help

The NHS have also provided this British Sign Language video to help you. Click the thumbnail.