Keep Well this Winter
Staying Healthy this Winter
Eat Well
We’re all likely to feel the chill in winter, but
cold weather can lead to very serious health
problems, such as heart attacks, strokes or
pneumonia, and sometimes the cold weather
can even kill – especially if you have a longterm health condition. There are several things
you can do to help yourself stay well
Food gives you energy and helps
to keep you warm. So, try to
have regular hot meals and
drinks throughout the day.
Also stock up on tinned and frozen foods so
that you don’t need to go outside when it’s
very cold and icy
For more information visit the NHS Choices
Keep War Keep Well Website
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Page
s/KeepWarmKeepWell.aspx
Have a Flu Jab
The annual Flu Jab is free for all people aged
over 65 along with people suffering from long
term health conditions, pregnant women and
now there is a nasal vaccine for children aged
2-6 Call reception on 01225 484748 for an
appointment
Dress for the Weather
Wear lots of thin layers –
clothes made from cotton,
wool or fleecy fibres are
particularly good and help
to maintain body heat. Wear
shoes with a good grip to
prevent slips and falls when walking outside.
Stay Active
We all know that exercise is good for your
overall health – and it can keep you warm in
winter. If you can stay active, even moderate
exercise can bring health benefits.
If possible, try to move around at least once an
hour.
Keep Warm
Heating your home to at least 18ºC (65°F) in
winter is particularly important if you have
reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a
health condition, such as heart or lung disease.
Having room temperatures slightly over 18°C
(65°F) could be good for your health.
Be Neighbourly!
Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours
who may be more vulnerable to cold weather.
Cold weather is especially dangerous for older
people or people with serious illnesses, so
check in on them if you can.
NHS 111
You should use the NHS 111 service if you
urgently need medical help or advice but it's
not a life-threatening situation. Call 111 if:
 you need medical help fast but it's not a
999 emergency
 you think you need to go to A&E or
need another NHS urgent care service
 you don't know who to call
 you need health information or
reassurance about what
to do next
For less urgent health needs,
contact your GP or local
pharmacist in the usual way.
Colds and Flu
 Norovirus
A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose,
throat, sinuses and upper airways. It's very
common and usually clears up on its own
within a week or two. Flu, which is similar to a
cold tends to start more suddenly, be more
severe and last longer. If you're otherwise fit
and healthy, there's usually no need to see a
doctor if you have flu-like symptoms.
The best remedy is to rest at home, keep
warm and drink plenty of water to avoid
dehydration. You can take paracetamol or
ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and
relieve aches if necessary.
Norovirus, sometimes known as the winter
vomiting bug, is the most common stomach
bug in the UK.
Consider visiting your GP if:
 you're 65 years of age or over
 you're pregnant
 you have a long-term medical
condition – such as diabetes, heart
disease, lung disease, kidney disease or
a neurological disease
 you have a weakened immune system –
for example, because you're having
chemotherapy or have HIV
 you develop chest pain, shortness of
breath or difficulty breathing, or start
coughing up blood
 your symptoms are getting worse over
time or haven't improved after a week
The virus is highly contagious. It can affect
people of all ages and causes vomiting and
diarrhoea.
There's no specific cure for norovirus, so you
have to let it run its course. It's usually mild
and shouldn't last more than a couple of days.
The period from when you're infected to when
you start to show symptoms (the incubation
period) usually lasts between 12 and 48 hours.
You may be infectious to other people during
this time.
Although having norovirus can be unpleasant,
it's not usually dangerous and most people
make a full recovery within a couple of days
without having to see their GP.
If you have norovirus, follow the steps below
to help ease your symptoms:
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 Preventing Colds and Flu
Colds and flu spread very easily. It’s worth
following these simple hygiene measures to
reduce the risk of catching and spreading
infections.
• Always cover your nose and mouth with a
tissue when you cough or sneeze, and
encourage visitors and relatives to do the
same.
• Throw away used tissues as soon as
possible.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and
water, and use a hand sanitiser gel when
you’re out and about.

drink plenty of water to avoid
dehydration
take paracetamol for any fever or aches
and pains
if you feel like eating, eat foods that are
easy to digest
stay at home – don't go to see your GP
because norovirus is contagious and
there's nothing your GP can do while
you have it
contact your GP to seek advice if your
symptoms last longer than a few days
or if you already have a serious illness
Extra care should be taken to prevent babies
and small children who have diarrhoea and
vomiting from dehydrating by giving them
plenty of fluids. Babies and young children
can still drink milk
We hope you have a Healthy
and Happy Winter x
Grosvenor Place Surgery