Preparing for the winter (including flu vaccinations)
Cold weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications, especially if you are 65 or older, or if you have a long-term health condition. There are several things you can do, however, to keep you and your family well this winter.
Get your flu jab
Helping to protect against flu is particularly important with COVID-19 in circulation because people vulnerable to COVID-19 are also at risk of complications from flu. If you’re aged 65 or over, or if you have a long-term health condition you should have the flu jab. You can get the vaccine via your GP practice or at many local pharmacies.
Find out more: NHS - Flu vaccine (external link)
Keep warm
Follow these tips to keep you and your family warm and well at home:
- if you're not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18°C
- keep your bedroom at 18°C all night if you can – and keep the bedroom window closed
- use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed, but do not use both at the same time
- have at least 1 hot meal a day - eating regularly helps keep you warm
- have hot drinks regularly
- draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts
- get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional
You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. Visit GOV.UK for more information:
See also: Helping you stay warm and well
Shine London
Haringey has partnered with SHINE London to provide a one-stop referral service to help low income and vulnerable residents keep their homes warm in the winter. See Helping you stay warm and well for more information about Shine London and other support available to make homes energy efficient, improve heating or to get help with bills.