People with learning disabilities may have other health needs which means that they need to take extra care of themselves during the winter. The cold weather can mean that other health problems can get worse.
This article gives some advice for how to stay well this winter.
Flu and Coronavirus
Because the cold weather can make some health problems worse, this means that catching flu or Covid-19 can be more serious for people with a learning disability. They are more likely than other people to become seriously ill.
Anyone who is a carer should also take every step possible to look after their own health, to stop spreading preventable illnesses to more vulnerable people.
One of the first steps to stay well is to have a flu jab and Covid-19 booster. These are free for people with a learning disability. Carers can also get a flu vaccine for free if the person they support would be left without support if they got sick.
The flu vaccine and Covid-19 vaccines are a quick and easy injection. Needles can be scary but speak to your GP and they may be able to offer the flu vaccine by nasal spray instead.
Find out more about seasonal vaccinations on the NHS website.
If you think you have flu or coronavirus, you should:
Try to stay at home if you can, to keep away from other people and stop the spread. Tell people who need to come into your home that you have symptoms of flu or coronavirus. If you are worried about your symptoms or they get worse, call your doctors’ surgery or contact NHS 111 by phone or 111.nhs.uk
If you feel ill
If you feel ill make sure you rest and keep warm, drink lots of liquids, have at least one hot meal every day, and take the tablets you have been told to take.
Keeping yourself and your home warm
Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. Heat your home to at least 18°C in the rooms that you use the most such as your living room and bedroom, try to reduce draughts, and keep you windows closed at night. Several layers of thinner clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer. And make sure you are eating enough and having hot drinks.
Keep active
Keeping active can help you keep well and not get depressed. It does not matter what you do as long as you are moving. Move around indoors and try not to sit still for too long.
Visit the NHS website for tips and ideas on keeping active or have a look at the advice on keeping active from Age UK.
Check your medicine cabinet
Ask your pharmacist what medicines you should have at home in case you get ill this winter. And make sure you have all the medicines you need before your pharmacy or doctors’ surgery closes for the holidays. If you are given any antibiotics or other medicines, remember to take them as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.
You can order prescriptions by visiting or phoning your doctor or pharmacy, or by using the NHS app. A list of NHS approved apps is on the NHS website.
Plus…
If you have a learning disability, you are entitled to a free health check. Talk to your GP, key worker or mental health service to book it.
And don’t forget to look after other people
This winter, let’s make sure we look after others. Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling under the weather.
Please share this information and the resources below with anyone that you feel it would help.
Helpful resources
This is an audio version of the NHS information on how to stay well this winter.
This video gives you important information on how to stay well this winter in British Sign Language.
December 2023