How to stay well this winter

Winter conditions present an increased risk to our health, especially if you are older or have a long-term health condition such as heart or kidney disease, asthma or diabetes.

Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The cold, damp weather can aggravate existing health problems, making you more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses. But there are things you can do to stay well.

Top tips to stay well from the NHS

• Make sure you get your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccination if you are eligible.
• Keep warm by wrapping up, wearing lots of layers of thin clothes.
• Stay active by moving around indoors, avoid sitting for more than one hour. Keeping active can also support your mental health.
• Keep the heat in by drawing your curtains at dusk and keeping doors closed to block draughts. Try and heat rooms you regularly use to at least 18°C and keep your windows closed at night. Make sure you’re getting the help you’re entitled to with heating costs.
• Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but don’t use both at the same time.
• Have at least one hot meal a day. Eating regular meals and drinking hot beverages can help you keep warm.
• Look after your mental health by speaking to someone – a friend, family member or healthcare professional, like your doctor - if you are feeling down. Check out the NHS website for support on where to get urgent mental health support.
• Make sure you have the right medicines at home in case you get poorly. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
• Wash your hands with soap and water:
  • When you get home or into work;
  • After you blow your nose, sneeze or cough; and
  • Before you eat
• If you get ill, rest and keep warm, drink lots of liquids, have at least one hot meal each day and take the tablets you have been recommended by a healthcare professional.

Need more advice?

You can find out more on how to look after yourself this winter on the NHS website.

Find out more

If you get ill

• If you think you need medical help right now, call 111 by phone or use NHS 111 online.
• If it is a real emergency and life-threatening, then you can call 999.
• If it’s less urgent contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Local Support in Halton 

Stay warm and well this winter with Halton Libraries. 

Drop in for a warm, friendly environment with free coffee, books, games, newspapers and IT support. Find times and information. 

Cost of living support 

Many of us are concerned with the rising cost of living. Find guidance and support for Halton. 

Winter Warmth Information

Help to keep your home warm and save on energy costs. Find information from the Halton Affordable Warmth Group.

Mental Health support 

Find information and organisations to support your mental health. Mental Health info point 

Mental Health Hubs

Monthly hubs to help raise awareness of local services and provide a place where anyone can pop in and talk in confidence to a professional in a relaxed and informal way.

Widnes - Green Oaks Shopping Centre - 9am-2pm - 3rd Wednesday of each month. 

Runcorn - Runcorn Shopping City -9am-2pm - 1st Thursday of each month.

If you do get ill

• If you think you need medical help right now, call 111 by phone or use NHS 111 online.
• If it is a real emergency and life-threatening, then you can call 999.
• If it’s less urgent contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Need more advice?
You can find out more on how to look after yourself this winter on the NHS website.