Nine types of people at higher risk of complications from cold weather 'this winter'
A group of some people could be at significant risk of health issues this winter
As temperatures continue to drop across the country, some people may need to take extra care or risk experiencing health issues from the weather. While cold weather can be discomforting for some, it creates greater health challenges for others who could experience severe illnesss or worsening conditions as a direct result of lower temperatures.
For most people, the colder months can make them more vulnerable to a variety of illnesses, including the flu, common cold, and COVID-19. However, if you already live with a long-term health condition, you may find that your symptoms become worst when it becomes consistently colder throughout the day and night.
Because of this, it is generally advised that some people ensure they keep their homes warm and dress appropriately for the temperature if they need to travel outside.
People most at risk from the cold
Guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlights that the following nine types of people are particularly at risk of health issues from the cold:
- People who are housebound or have low mobility
- People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
- People aged 65 years and over
- People with long-term health conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory disease, or a mental health condition
- Young children - especially those aged 5 and under
- Pregnant women
- People at risk of falls
- People living in deprived circumstances
- People with learning disabilities
It also notes that a number of external factors could also increase your risk of being at higher risk from the cold, including poor quality housing, snow and ice, and a higher frequency of infectious diseases.
Keeping your home warm
One of the key things you can do to help reduce any complications from the cold weather is to ensure your home is warm whenever necessary. Generally, it is advised that you heat rooms your spend a lot of time in to at least 18C.
If you find that your home doesn't heat up properly despite turning your central heating or electric heater on, you may need to make minor improvements to your home. You should check if any doors or windows in your home are not properly sealed and are letting a draught through as this can allow the cold air from outside to enter your home.
You should also ensure your home has proper insulation, which can aid in helping reduce how much heat escapes from your home. If you are concerned about adverse effects from the cold weather, you can help prepare yourself by signing up to the UKHSA weather health alerts, which help to provide an early warning for any adverse temperatures that could impact your health.
You can sign up for alerts online here.