Get in the know this autumn and winter

We have brought together all the information you will need about keeping well and getting the healthcare you need over the autumn and winter period.

The information is for everyone, but some parts will be of particular relevance for people who are at increased risk when the weather turns colder, such as older people, those with long term conditions and pregnant women. The cold weather can make some health conditions worse and increases the risk of raised blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. Slips and falls are also more likely.

In addition to the seasonal advice, we have also included reminders of our advice for using services that apply all year round. More people become unwell and need to use NHS services at this time of year and so it is even more important to follow this advice to help everyone get the right care, in the right place, as quickly as possible.

Self-care advice

Find out about what you can do to look after minor illnesses and injuries yourself at home, and where to get support.

Learn more about self-care

Top tips to keep safe and well this winter

Staying well

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself from becoming seriously unwell and it is even more important to get vaccinated if you are at increased risk.
Make sure you are up-to-date with any vaccinations you are eligible for.
Covid-19, flu and RSV are more prevalent in the autumn and winter months, so at this time of year these vaccines are important, but you may also be able to get vaccinated against pertussis (whooping cough), MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and a many other illnesses.
You can find out more and check which vaccinations you are eligible for using our online vaccinations information hub.

Stop the spread of infection

Make sure you are up-to-date with any vaccinations you are eligible for. This is the best way to protect yourself and to reduce the spread of illness in the community.
If you have visitors, ventilate the room for a few minutes before and after they arrive to stop the spread of germs.
Washing your hands regularly can help to protect yourself and others from viruses such as flu and Covid-19.
Stay at home if you are unwell to reduce the number of people you have contact with.
Please wear a mask if healthcare providers ask you to do so.
If you are feeling unwell, please speak to your healthcare provider before attending appointments.

Preventing respiratory illnesses

During autumn and winter we see more people seeking help from health services for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory problems, triggered by colder temperatures and an increase in common illnesses circulating.

If you are eligible, get vaccinated against flu, Covid-19 and RSV to minimise the risk of catching a respiratory infection.
People with certain long-term health conditions are at increased risk of complications from flu – but a flu vaccine gives you the best protection.
If you have a long-term respiratory condition, continue to take any medication as prescribed, particularly inhalers.
If you use an inhaler, check you are using it correctly with our seven-step guide, even if you have used one for some time. You can check your technique using our handy videos.
Arrange an inhaler review with your community pharmacy or GP practice, to make sure you have the best type of inhaler for your needs and to confirm that your inhaler technique is correct.
If your child uses an inhaler, your can follow our four-step guide to help keep them well.
Follow our advice in the section above about the actions you can take to help stop the spread of infections.

Managing long-term conditions

If you have a long-term health condition, it is even more important that you manage your condition well all year round, but it is especially important at this time of year. This includes:

Living a healthy lifestyle
Taking medication as prescribed
Attending appointments and check-ups, even if you feel well
Self-monitoring so you can act quickly to triggers and flare-ups
Following your management plan if your condition deteriorates
Coming forward for care if you are unwell or you have a flare up in your condition, even at the weekend. Contact your GP practice or use NHS 111.

There are additional steps you can take in the autumn and winter to keep yourself well.

You are at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell if you catch illnesses such as flu and Covid-19, so get vaccinated against any illnesses you are eligible for. See our vaccinations page.
Check if you are eligible for Covid-19 treatment. The NHS offers treatments for COVID-19 to people who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill. For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/CovidTreatments
People with a long-term condition can be more vulnerable in the cold weather. Keeping warm can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia. Read our advice on this page.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast so you can plan ahead so you don’t need to go out in very cold weather, for example by stocking up on food and getting any medication you might need.
If you do need to go out, wear a scarf over your mouth to prevent chest infections. Alternatively, ask a neighbour, relative or friend to go out for you.
Also, see our advice above about stopping the spread of infections and preventing respiratory illnesses.

Keeping warm

Keep your home warm.
Try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in to at least 18 degrees C.
Reduce drafts and keep your bedroom windows closed at night.
Wearing several layers of thinner clothing could keep your warmer than one thicker layer.
Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so.
Ensure you are eating enough and having hot drinks.
If you struggle to heat your home for financial reasons, there may be grants and support available to help you through local councils.
Local councils also provide warm spaces in community locations such as libraries.

Councils in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

Look out for others

Some people may need extra help over winter. Remember to check in on older neighbours, friends and family members to see if they need anything.

Icy pavements and cold weather can stop people from going out. Keeping stocked up with food for a few days is advised in case they cannot go out.

If they do need to go out, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around the mouth to protect them from cold air.

Getting the right care

In the autumn and winter, health services tend to be busier than normal. At this time of year, it is more important than ever that people follow the advice that the NHS gives all year round to help you get the right care as quickly as possible.

Consider whether you can treat the illness and injury yourself, or with support from NHS 111 online, the NHS App or a local pharmacy.
If it’s urgent, contact your GP practice, use NHS 111 or go to a walk-in service.
There are a wide range of services in your local community to support you with your mental health and wellbeing.
The Emergency Department and 999 is for life threatening emergencies only.
Even if services are busy and you need help, don’t delay coming forward for care.

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing

Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafés

There are Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafés spread around Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, run by trained and supportive staff, who are there to listen and provide the practical support when you need it most. If you’re struggling with your mental health, they can help you make plans so you feel safer, explain who you can turn to for help locally and help you to manage your own mental health so you can start to feel more in control.

Support is tailored to individuals’ needs but could include:

• A safe and relaxing space where you can be yourself and take part in gentle activities
• One-to-one support with a member of our team to explore ways to cope and how to manage your mental health
• Practical advice and information about other services that might be helpful to you for longer-term support

Joy

Joy is a new NHS funded website for people living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. It has been created to link you to groups, services and activities that suit your needs and interests, local to you. Once you add your postcode and search, it will list the services closest to you.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust

You can find more mental health and wellbeing support on Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s website, including:

Information on urgent mental health support
Downloadable resources
Signposting
Support for children & young people.

Being prepared

Get Weather Ready

You can take some simple steps to help you prepare for and respond to the weather.

The Met Offices’ Weather Ready campaign provides a wealth of advice to keep you safe and well.

Be flood aware

Some areas of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have flooded in recent months. The best way to protect yourself from flooding is early preparation and knowing what to do in advance.

Check your long-term flood risk. You can use this free service to find out the long-term flood risk for where you live, the possible causes of flooding, and how to manage flood risk.
Sign up for flood warnings by phone, text or email.
Find out how to protect yourself from future flooding.

Useful videos

6 Videos