Here are our ten top tips for staying safe, healthy, and well this winter.
- Boost your immunity!
Flu and covid vaccines make it easier for your body to protect itself. Two covid jabs and a booster for all adults, and flu shots for more people than ever before.
- Keep your home warm – aim for 18C/65F.
It’s important to ventilate your home to disperse covid particles every now and then, but make sure your windows are closed at night. Get help with heating.
- Make sure you don’t run out of medication.
The way weekends and bank holidays fall this year, Pharmacies GP practices will be closed longer than you might expect. Ordering through the NHS app is the quickest and easiest, plus you can pick a pharmacy to collect your medication from.
- Christmas can be difficult for many.
Not everyone is able to enjoy the festive season. In fact, loneliness, isolation, or other circumstances can make it very difficult. If you are struggling, reach out. Resources are support are there to help you. Staying social helps all of us, so why not make time to catch up with others?
- Samaritans – 116 123 (24hrs)
- SaneLine – 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm-10.30pm)
- Suicide Prevention UK 0800 689 5652 (24hrs)
- CALM – 0800 585858 (5pm-midnight)
- The Mix (under 25yrs) – 0808 808 4994 (3.30pm-midnight)
- SHOUT – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7 365 days a year)
- MIND ACT – 0330 1743174, 7 days a week 8am to 10pm)
- The Crisis Resolution Team – 0800 652 2863 or 0191 814 8899
- Wrap up warm when you go outside.
While we may not get a white Christmas this year, it is going to be cold. Wear layers to keep the heat in, and if it is icy outside, make sure your shoes have good grip.
- Be a good guest and take a test
If you are visiting friends or family, take a lateral flow test before you go. 1 in 3 people with covid don’t get symptoms, so you should check before you spend time with others. If you have symptoms – cough, fever, loss of taste or smell or other cold-like symptoms – you should get a PCR test and wait for a negative result before socialising.
- Make time for yourself
At the end of another difficult year, we need to take time to look after ourselves. Whether that is practicing some mindfulness, getting some exercise, or catching up on some sleep, it’s important to look after yourself.
- Eat and drink well
Most of us indulge ourselves a bit at Christmas, but our bodies still need vitamins and protein. Hot drinks, warm meals and fruit and vegetables help keep us healthy.
- Check on the elderly, vulnerable or lonely
A friendly catch-up to check people are ok and have the food and medicine they need can make all the difference. It’s also a good way to remind people you are thinking of them and let them know you are there if they need you.
- Wear a mask
Most indoor public spaces now require a mask or face covering, to help reduce the spread of the omicron variant. So, if you are doing the big Christmas food shop, getting a taxi to meet up with friends or relaxing at the cinema, make sure you wear a mask.