Copyright dailyrecord
As the mercury plummets across the UK , certain people may need to take additional precautions to avoid health complications arising from the chilly weather. While a drop in temperature can be merely uncomfortable for some, it poses significant health risks for others who could suffer severe illnesses or exacerbation of existing conditions due to the cold. For the majority, the winter months heighten susceptibility to a range of ailments, including flu, common cold, and COVID-19. However, those living with chronic health conditions may find their symptoms worsen as the temperature consistently dips throughout the day and night. Consequently, it's generally recommended that certain people ensure they maintain a warm home environment and dress suitably for the weather if venturing outdoors becomes necessary. Guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlights that the following nine types of people are particularly at risk of health issues from the cold: It also notes that a number of external factors could also increase your risk of being at higher risk from the cold, including poor quality housing, snow and ice, and a higher frequency of infectious diseases. One crucial step you can take to mitigate any complications from the cold weather is to ensure your home is adequately heated when needed. Generally, it's recommended to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in to at least 18C. If you find that your home doesn't warm up properly despite turning on your central heating or electric heater, you might need to make minor improvements to your home. You should check if any doors or windows in your home aren't properly sealed and are letting a draught in, as this can allow the cold air from outside to enter your home. It's also crucial to ensure your home is properly insulated, which can help minimise heat loss. If you're worried about the potential health impacts of cold weather, consider signing up for the UKHSA weather health alerts. These provide early warnings for any severe temperature changes that could affect your health. You can sign up for alerts online here.
