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Winter health

It may be cold outside but winter needn't be the unhealthiest time of year for you and your family. We know that each winter people are more likely to catch colds, flu, viruses like norovirus and need hospital treatment, but there are lots of things we can all do to stay well, and if we need medical help make sure that we choose the right NHS service.
People walking in heavy snow

Protect yourself – have your flu jab

It's not just people over 65 who should be vaccinated against flu.

The flu jab is free and recommended for people who:

  • are pregnant
  • have long term conditions, including diabetes, asthma, heart disease and multiple sclerosis
  • are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
  • are over 65

Check out if you should have the vaccine, and other steps you can take to protect yourself from flu.

Stay warm and well this winter

Cold weather can have a deadly impact, especially on older people.

Official figures show that, last year, there were an estimated 25,400 excess deaths nationally, mostly linked to circulatory and respiratory diseases.

We all can take simple steps to protect ourselves.

It is also important that we take time to think about friends, elderly relatives and neighbours who could be at risk.

Find out what you can do to look after yourself, your family, and those at risk.
 

Feeling unwell? Make sure you get the right treatment

This Christmas and New Year, if you feel ill or have an accident, would you know where to go and what to do?

Choose the right service for your needs

There are lots of options to choose from if you are unwell – from self-care or asking your local pharmacist through to minor injuries units or A&E.

Out-of-hours services

Search for local health services