Note: If you have a new or ongoing cough, a high temperature (fever) or you've noticed a change in your sense of smell or taste, you may have coronavirus (COVID-19).
Note: If you have a new or ongoing cough, a high temperature (fever) or you've noticed a change in your sense of smell or taste, you may have coronavirus (COVID-19).
Some health problems, such as asthma, sore throat and cold sores, are triggered or worsened by cold weather.
Here's how to deal with these common cold weather ailments.
You can help prevent
by washing your hands regularly. This destroys bugs that you may have picked up from touching surfaces used by other people, such as light switches and door handles.It's also important to keep the house and household items like cups, glasses and towels clean, especially if someone in your house is ill.
If you get a cold, use disposable tissues instead of fabric handkerchiefs so you don’t reinfect your own hands.
Read
.The best way to prevent getting the flu is to have the flu jab every winter(or flu nasal spray for children aged 2 to 17). This vaccine gives good protection against flu and lasts for one year.
The pneumococcal vaccine can provide protection against pneumonia, a swelling of the tissue in your lungs. People who have recently had flu may be more likely to get pneumonia.
Find out if you're at risk of getting flu by asking a doctor. If you're in a high-risk group, see a doctor to get the vaccination.
Sore throats are common in winter and are almost always caused by viral infections.
There's some evidence that changes in temperature, such as going from a warm, centrally heated room to the icy outdoors, can also affect the throat.
One quick and easy remedy for a sore throat is to gargle with warm salty water. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of part-cooled boiled water.
It won't heal the infection, but it has anti-inflammatory properties and can have a soothing effect.
Cold air is a major trigger of
such as wheezing and shortness of breath. People with asthma should be especially careful in cold weather.If you go out on a cold, windy day, wear a scarf loosely over your nose and mouth.
Be extra sure to take your regular medications, and keep reliever inhalers close by.
Get
.Also known as the winter vomiting bug,
is an extremely infectious stomach bug.It can strike all year round, but is more common in winter and in places such as hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and schools.
You can catch norovirus by coming into close contact with an infected person, touching a contaminated surface then touching your mouth, and eating food prepared or handled by someone with the bug.
The illness can be unpleasant, but it's usually over within a few days.
When people are ill with
, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Young children and the elderly are especially at risk.You can reduce the risk of dehydration by drinking oral rehydration fluids, which are available from most pharmacies.
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.Many people with
say their joints become more painful and stiff in winter, though it's not clear why this is the case.However, there's no evidence that changes in the weather cause joint damage.
Many people get a little depressed during the winter months, and this can make pain and medical conditions feel worse.
Daily exercise can boost your mental and physical state. Swimming is ideal as it's easy on the joints.
Find out
.Every day, do things that make you feel less stressed, such as having a hot bath, going for a walk in the park, or watching one of your favourite films.
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.Stay warm in your home. Heat the main rooms you use to at least 18C and use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed.
Wrap up warm when you go out and wear a hat, scarf and gloves.
More tips on
.Fingers can go white, then blue, then red, and throb and tingle. The small blood vessels of the hands and feet go into spasm, temporarily reducing blood flow to your hands and feet.
In severe cases, medication can help, but most people manage to live with their symptoms.
Don't smoke or drink caffeine (both can worsen symptoms) and always wear warm gloves, socks and shoes when going out in cold weather.
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Dry skin is common and is often worse during the winter when the air is drier.
Moisturising is essential during winter. Moisturising lotions and creams can help with this by stopping the skin's natural moisture from evaporating away.
The best time to apply moisturiser is after a bath or shower as soon as you’ve patted your skin dry.
Have warm, rather than hot, showers. Water that is too hot makes skin feel more dry and itchy.
References:
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.