The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has updated its essential advice on looking after your health in winter as a spell of particularly cold weather approaches.
The Met Office has issued an amber cold weather alert with freezing temperatures and "potentially severe" overnight frosts forecast across England from 6pm today, Wednesday December 7, until Monday, December 12. A warning has also been issued for ice in the North East, with snow showers forecast later this week in the region.
Rebekah Sherwin, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained: "Temperatures will start to dip this week, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing in many places from mid-week onwards. However, the cold air from the Arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells in many areas, particularly away from the coast."
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With temperatures plummeting, the Government and NHS have issued important advice to help vulnerable people stay safe. Dr Agostinho Sousa, consultant in public health medicine at UKHSA, said: "Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.
"If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you," Dr Sousa explained. "Try to heat the rooms you use most, such as the living and bedroom, to at least 18°C if you can and keep your bedroom windows closed at night."
For the many households concerned about driving up their energy bills this winter amid the cost of living crisis, the GOV.UK website has issued advice on the help they can seek out. The UKHSA encourages people to get in touch with Simple Energy Advice, which provides free advice on energy efficiency and financial help that is available, or to contact Age UK to find out more about the support measures in place.
"If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep," the GOV.UK website advises. "Wearing several layers of thinner clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm."
The NHS also urges anyone aged 50 or over to get their free flu jab and autumn Covid booster by contacting their GP or pharmacist. Additionally, older people are advised not to delay treating "minor winter ailments" such as colds and sore throats, and to visit their local pharmacist for advice and treatment.
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