As we age, our bodies cope with cold weather differently. We lose heat from our bodies more quickly and because our immune system is not as robust as it used to be, we are more susceptible to becoming ill with viruses and bugs such as the flu.
Following a few simple but important steps to protect your health will help you stay well this winter.
Flu Jabs
Public Health England’s annual flu report says that the flu jab offers about 60% protection against all strains of flu to adults over 65 and reduces their need to visit the GP due to flu related concerns by 40%.
The NHS offers flu jabs to everyone over the over the age of 50 and the pneumococcal vaccine if you are over 65. Its best to have these during autumn in anticipation of winter but they are offered year-round, and you can have them now too.
Flu jabs are effective at protecting you from harmful strains of flu that can make you ill. The pneumococcal vaccine will shield you from bugs that can cause pneumonia; a more serious infection of your lungs that is likely to need treatment in hospital.
Keep warm
Official advice from the NHS is to keep your bedroom heated to 18°C and the living room (or the room you spend most of your day in) heated at a steady temperature of at least 21°C.
This is important to prevent hypothermia which is when the body temperature falls to dangerously low levels. This can have unwanted effects on your heart, kidneys and other systems.
In addition to setting your thermostat at home at a safe temperature here are some other ideas to stay warm this winter:
- Multiple loose layers – loose layers trap warm air between them so you won’t feel cold
- Hat, gloves, and socks when outdoors – Remember to wear these when you when you are going outside. We quickly lose most of our body heat from our head, hands and feet
- Keep the cold out – keep the windows closed and draw the curtains at dusk
- Lots of tea – drinking hot drinks regularly will help keep you warm as will hot meals
Stay Active both Physically and Mentally
Its recommended you stay physically active to the best of your ability especially in winter because this will keep you feeling fit and also help generate more body heat.
Also important is to stay active mentally.
The cold weather and staying indoors more with reduced exposure to natural light can make you feel low in mood – a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder
To combat this, engage yourself in activities you enjoy whether that be knitting, chess, crosswords or anything else that stimulates your mind.
Get Help Sooner Rather than Later
As we age our ability to fight against infections begins to weaken. Its important to pay attention to how you feel and get help as soon as you can.
Get in touch with your GP, local pharmacy or call 111 for advice if you feel under the weather. Getting help sooner rather than later will help you recover from a minor illness before it becomes something more serious.
Many will dread the cold and flu the winter months bring with it. The good thing is that there’s plenty you can do to keep yourself safe and enjoy a healthy winter this year with friends and family.
