Winter Health

Seasonal Flu Vaccine 2022

Flu is a highly infectious and very common viral illness that is spread by coughs and sneezes. It is not the same as the common cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses and symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer. You can catch flu all year round, but it is especially common in winter, which is why it is also known as ‘seasonal flu’.

Flu causes a sudden high temperature, headache and general aches and pains, tiredness and a sore throat. You can also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a cough. If you have flu you generally start to feel ill within a few days of being infected. Symptoms peak after two to three days and you should begin to feel much better after a week or so, although you may feel tired for much longer.

A flu vaccine is available free on the NHS if you:

• are 50 years of age or over (including those who'll be 50 by 31 March 2022)
• are pregnant
• have certain medical conditions
• are very overweight (– a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)
• are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
• receive a carer’s allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
• are a healthcare worker with direct patient contact, or a social care worker

The best way to protect yourselves and others from flu is to get vaccinated. Speak to your GP if you fall in to one of the categories above.

To find out more information please clink the link below.

Flu vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

How to stay warm

The government's advice on getting ready for winter aims to reduce cold-related illness and deaths.  Key tips include:

• Keep your home warm.  Your main living room should be between around 18-21C (65-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F). You can also use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you are in bed.
• Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.
• Wrap up warm, inside and out. Layer your clothing to stay warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside.  If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.
• Check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe and well. Make sure they are warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don't need to go out during very cold weather.  If you are worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66.

Cold weather benefits

You may also be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home.  Grants available include the Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments.

Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300 are available if you were born on or before July 5 1951.

To find out more about Winter Fuel Payments, call 0845 915 1151 (8.30am-4.30pm Monday-Friday, textphone 0845 601 5613) or visit https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

Cold Weather Payments may be available to you if you receive certain benefits or have a child who is disabled or under the age of five.

To find out more about Cold Weather Payments contact Jobcentre Plus (you can find the nearest office in the phonebook) or visit https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has advice on how to reduce bills and make your home more energy efficient.  They can also advise on grants and schemes available around the UK.  Find out more online from the EST website or call 0300 123 1234 (9am-8pm Monday-Friday and 10am-2pm Saturday).

For more information on cold weather benefits and other help available read the 'Financial help to heat your home' section in the Keep Warm, Keep Well leaflet.