Cold Weather Advice

The Government has issued some guidance to help people prepare for the colder months. Advice includes:

• The flu jab: those aged 65 or over, pregnant, have certain medical conditions, live in a residential or nursing home, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person are advised to have the jab.  Also, those who are a frontline health or social care workers.  Those aged 65 or over should also have the pneumococcal vaccination.

• Footwear: check you have well gripping shoes to prevent falls in cold weather, wear several layers of clothes to stay warm and remain active in your home.

• Norovirus: also called the winter vomiting bug, this strikes at this time of year.  Good hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet, helps prevent the infection spreading to friends and relatives.  Clean contaminated surfaces thoroughly and more frequently whilst they or someone in the home has norovirus infection.

• Energy: have all gas, solid fuel and oil burning appliances (i.e. boilers, heaters and cookers) serviced by an appropriately registered engineer. Malfunctioning appliances can release carbon monoxide – a gas which at high levels will kill and at lower levels can cause health problems. Make sure flues and chimneys are swept and checked for blockages and that there is adequate ventilation in rooms to allow appliances to work properly.  You should also fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm which is EN50291 compliant, but fitting an alarm should not replace regular maintenance of appliances.

Source: HPA/Cabinet Office October 2011