The information on this website was correct at 31 March 2013, but this website is no longer being maintained. Health information is now available on NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG, NHS North Kirklees CCG, NHS Choices and Kirklees Council.

Keep Warm, Keep Well: Be prepared for the cold weather

Cold weather can have a dramatic impact on our health.  As well as keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet, one of the best ways to stay well is to stay warm.  

Beat the winter blues and access advice and support about how to keep you and your family warm and well this winter.  For more information, including a list of upcoming events, visit the Selfcare portal or phone 01484 464 443.

Vulnerable groups

Some groups of people are more vulnerable to the cold than others. This includes older people, young children and those who have a long term condition (for example asthma or diabetes) or those with a disability.
If you have a long term condition or disability think about making a plan if the weather looks like it will be getting worse and you can’t get about as easily. Make sure you have enough medicines in and enough to eat and drink. Contact your GP to arrange to have your flu jab. You can get a free flu jab if you:

  • have a serious heart, lung or kidney or liver problem, asthma or diabetes
  • have a weak immune system
  • have had a stroke or TIA (a less serious or mini stroke)
  • are pregnant
  • are aged over 65 years.

Colds and Flu

Whatever age you are, make sure you look after yourself and try not to catch colds and flu. You can protect yourself by:

  • covering up your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze
  • making sure your children cover their mouth and nose when they cough and sneeze
  • throw away tissues once used
  • wash your hands with soap and water
  • make sure you have some cough and cold cures that do not need a prescription
  • eat well.

Some tips to protect yourself and others from catching your coughs and colds are:

  • never use a hanky - always tissues CATCH IT
  • use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze
  • bin the tissue after one use BIN IT
  • wash your hands or use a alcohol gel KILL IT.

Remember catch it, bin it, kill it.

Winter vomiting viruses are the most common cause of nasty tummy bugs, sickness and diarrhoea.  If you are poorly:

1. wash hands well after using the toilet
2. drink plenty of fluids to stop dehydration
3. don’t visit family/friends in hospitals and care homes
4. remain off work/school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

For further information and advice :

Older people: Age UK on 0800 169 6565

Benefits, heating and grants – Citizens Advice Bureau http://www.kirkleescitizensadvice.org.uk

For advice about how to get your bills under control contact:

The Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 or www.homeheathelpline.org.uk  It is open from 9.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday and 10.00am to 2.00pm on Saturdays. You can access the Helpline on minicom 0800 027 2122 which has access to an interpreting service.

For advice on how to save energy please contact the Energy Savings Trust www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Further information can also be found at the following links:

Keep Warm, Keep Well - large print leaflet

Keep Warm, Keep Well - easy read leaflet

Keep Warm, Keep Well - Your top five tips for keeping warm and well

Choose Well - by choosing well you’ll get the right treatment, at the right time, and help busy NHS services care for people who really need them. Click here to visit Choose Well on the NHS Kirklees website.