Staying Healthy for Winter

Avoid people with coughs, colds, and Covid-19. Wear a mask if you can in crowded and enclosed places.                                                                                  

• Keep Warm – People with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe asthma, can be particularly susceptible to the effects of cold weather, finding themselves shorter of breath and coughing more than usual.
  
  If you’re struggling to keep warm at home, Derby Council and Derbyshire County Council has advice online and are offering grants to communities to support Warm Spaces. Find out more about a warm space near you.
• Keep Active – Appropriate exercise is generally good for strengthening lung health at any time of year – if you have a lung condition, your doctor/ nurse will be able to advise you of a suitable level of exercise for you, and local places where you can do this if you can’t do it in the home.
• Vaccinations – make sure you’ve had vaccinations you are eligible for such as flu, Covid-19, pneumococcal and shingles (>70)
• Respiratory Action Plan in place – Is your RAP up to date? All those with a respiratory condition should have a personalised plan which supports you to manage the highs and lows of your condition. Make sure that it is up to date ahead of winter and you are familiar with it.
• Annual Condition Review – If you have COPD or Asthma, it is key you attend an annual review with a health care professional to make sure that your treatment is still appropriate.
• Medication – Make sure you’re taking medications have been prescribed and remember you can speak to your pharmacy if you have any questions.

There are lots of services provided by community pharmacy, which are free to access.

Access to pharmacy is quick, simple, and easy, with opening days/hours often greater than GPs