Stay well in winter

Stay well this winter

Cold weather poses risks, especially for:

people aged 65 plus
babies and children under 5
those on low income who may struggle to heat their homes
people with health conditions, impairments, or disabilities
pregnant women
people experiencing homelessness

Cold weather can increase the risk of respiratory infections, such as COVID-19, flu, and bronchitis, as well as cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes. It can also lead to falls and, in rare cases, hypothermia.

Look after yourself

Eat well by having plenty of fruit and vegetables, hot drinks, and at least one warm meal every day. Keep some tinned or frozen food at home so you don't need to go out when it's icy. Moving regularly helps you stay warm and healthy, try to get up and move every hour. If you have a health condition, check with your GP before starting anything new.

Wear several thin layers - cotton, wool, or fleece are best. Use hot water bottles or electric blankets (but never together). Wear slippers indoors and shoes with good grip outdoors to avoid falls. Close doors and draw curtains at dusk to keep rooms warm.

NHS health checks

If you're aged 40 to 74 with no pre-existing conditions, you can get a free NHS Health Check every five years. Your GP will contact you, or you can book. If you're aged 30 to 74, you can book a free Health Check through the Community Wellness Outreach Service. If you're not eligible for a full check, you'll get a mini-check and advice. Email WestBerkshire.CWOS@nhs.net or call 0800 772 0056 or 0118 449 2985.

Help protect yourself and those around you - get vaccinated

Flu and COVID-19 can be serious, especially for those most at risk. If you're invited for a vaccination, please take up the offer. You might be able to get both vaccines at the same time, but this isn't always possible, so don't wait. Get each vaccine as soon as you can.

You can check which vaccines you're eligible for and how to book on the NHS website:

Vaccination is a simple step that helps keep our community safe.

MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine

The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against measles, mumps and rubella, three highly infectious illnesses that can spread easily among unvaccinated people.

These conditions can lead to serious complications like meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy. Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer the best protection.

If you're unsure whether you or your child has had both doses, or think you may have missed a vaccination, speak to your GP surgery. They can check your records, book or rearrange appointments, and answer any questions. It's best to have vaccines on time, but you can still catch up if you've missed any.

You can find information on measles on the NHS website. You can also find information about the MMR vaccine on the NHS website.

Look after others

Check in on older neighbours and relatives to make sure they are safe and warm:

are they warm enough?
are they safe and well?
do they have food and medicine so they can stay inside in very cold weather?

If you are worried about someone's welfare, please contact Adult Social Care. For advice you can call Age UK Berkshire advice line on 0118 959 4242. If someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Keeping your home and children warm in winter

A warm home is essential for health during winter. Cold indoor temperatures increase the risk of illness, especially for older people, young children, and those with long-term conditions. Heat rooms you use regularly to at least 18°C, day and night. This is particularly important for anyone aged 65 or over or with health issues. Slightly warmer temperatures offer extra protection.

For babies, the safest room temperature is 16°C to 20°C to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Learn more at The Lullaby Trust or NHS.

Children need warmth and hydration in cold, dry air, offer regular drinks, soups, and fluids. As days get darker, help them stay safe outdoors by wearing or carrying something bright or reflective.

For energy-saving tips and support, visit the help and support with saving energy page.

You can also find:

Prepare for when it snows

If you live on or near a hill, now is a good time to buy your own supply of salt from local garden centres or builders' merchants. Where council salt bins are provided, the salt is only intended for use on nearby public roads and footpaths.

Stay up to date with the weather by checking the forecast regularly and signing up for email alerts on the Met Office website.

Find advice on preparing for winter and coping during colder months here.

Self care

Self-care means taking simple steps to stay healthy and well. This includes everyday habits like eating nutritious food, staying active, keeping warm, and brushing your teeth regularly. It also means knowing when to seek help from a GP, pharmacist, or other health professional.

If you have a long-term health condition, disability, or are aged 65+, winter can bring extra challenges. Now is a good time to speak to your GP, health or social care worker about how to stay well and what support is available.

If you start to feel unwell, don't wait, early advice can prevent things from getting worse.

You can contact your local pharmacist for quick advice your GP or NHS 111 (call 111 or visit the NHS 11 website) for urgent medical concerns.

For more tips and support visit:

Stock up

Be prepared for common health problems by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society recommends having:

pain relief such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin
antihistamines for allergies and insect bites
oral rehydration salts and anti-diarrhoea tablets to restore fluid balance after illness
antacids for stomach aches, heartburn and indigestion
sun lotion of at least factor 30 - even in winter.

A basic first aid kit with bandages, plasters, a thermometer, antiseptic and eyewash is also essential.

Mental wellbeing

You can find information and support for mental health here.

Talking Therapies is a friendly and approachable NHS service that treats common issues like depression, stress, anxiety or phobias. If you're aged 17 and over and living in Berkshire, you can get help to overcome the mental health and emotional wellbeing problems you're facing. Please visit the NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies website for more information or call 0300 365 2000.

Find information on Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) on the NHS website.

If you are over 60, visit the Age UK website for more information on mental health.

Support for young people

You can get support from:

Time to Talk West Berkshire - free confidential counselling for young people aged between 11 and 25
Emotional Health Triage - free service for children and young people with emotional health difficulties. It is a gateway to different support options (not crisis) - call: 01635 519018 or email Emotional.Health.Triage@westberks.gov.uk

If you are 18 or under, Childline can help you with things you are worried about and have lots of advice on keeping our bodies and our brains healthy. There is also, a different Childline webpage for children under 12.

Keep up to date

West Berkshire Council has an email subscription service to make it easier for residents to receive news and information about council services.

You can sign up to receive information on a range of topics - from general news to specific health and wellbeing updates, the environment, waste and recycling and business news.