Let’s look after ourselves and our neighbours this winter

By Councillor Carol Hart, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities; and joint chair of Joined Up Care Derbyshire Integrated Care Partnership

Every winter, many of us will come down with coughs and sniffles as the cold and damp weather hits.

But for some people – particularly the very young or very old and those with pre-existing health conditions – the consequences can be very serious.

Winter viruses are also more prevalent at this time of year, which is why it’s even more important to protect yourselves and your loved ones.

If you’re eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine I’d urge everyone to book theirs now through the national system until 19 December.

After that date walk-ins are available and you can find more information on the NHS website.

If you are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu, you may also be eligible for a free vaccine. You can find out more on the NHS website.

And for the first time this year, vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is also being offered to anyone who is 28 or more weeks pregnant, along with people aged 75-79 years and this is available all year round.

Here at Derbyshire County Council we work hard every year with our partners and communities to help people stay well in winter.

We work together with other organisations including the NHS and voluntary groups to make sure help reaches the people who need it the most.

You can find lots of helpful information and advice on the Staying well in winter page on our website.

Here are some top tips to stay well:

  • Try to keep rooms at 18°C
  • try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day
  • keep active in the home if you can
  • wash your hands often with soap and water
  • make sure you have enough medications available in case you are unable to get out in icy or cold weather and over the Christmas holiday period
  • make sure you have enough food to keep you going if you are unable to get out in cold weather
  • look out for others by checking in on older neighbours or relatives, especially those who live alone or who have serious illness to make sure they are safe, warm and well

If you are a professional working with older or vulnerable people there’s support available and you can find out more on our Winter pressures – pathway for professionals page on our website.

We can also signpost people who might be struggling at this time of year to mental health support services and we provide support to people through our cost of living information.

We know our NHS is already under strain this winter so let’s all try to look after ourselves, our families, friends and neighbours so people can be as well as they can be over the colder months.