Resources > Healthy Body

Winter Wellness

When it’s cold and dark in the winter, you’re more likely to become unwell. There are lots of services to help you stay healthy and warm in the winter.

Cold temperatures, winter illnesses and shorter days can be particularly difficult for older people, young children, pregnant people, those with long-term health conditions or disabilities, and people who are experiencing challenges keeping their home warm.

There are simple things you can do to help you and your family stay well this winter. Support is also available across Havering.

Two older women in the park at winter stretching and exercising.

Take a look at the NHS Information Leaflet

Stay warm

Cold weather affects everyone, and a cold home can affect your health. The chances of becoming unwell are higher if you are:

Over 65
A baby or young child
Pregnant
Have a long-term health condition, such as a heart, lung or kidney condition.
On a low income (so can't afford heating)
Disabled or have reduced mobility.
Experiencing challenges keeping your home warm.

Go to the keeping your home warm page for advice & support

Older woman turning down the temperature on a thermostat on the wall in her house.

One of the best ways to stay well during winter is to stay warm and heat your home, especially if your house is damp.

Stay healthy

Taking care of yourself during winter can help you stay well and reduce the risk of winter illnesses.

Look after your health

Eat regular meals and drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated.
Keep active where you can. Even light movements and activity around the home

Two older adults wearing helmets and casual clothing stand with their bicycles on a park path, smiling at each other. Trees and white buildings are visible in the background.

can help you stay warm and maintain your strength.

Wear well-fitting shoes with good grip when going outside in wet, cold or icy weather to help prevent slips and falls.
Keep regular medicines and repeat prescriptions up to date. Order them in good time, particularly before Christmas, New Year and other bank holidays.

Help prevent winter infections

Influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus and other respiratory and stomach infections can spread more easily during the winter when people are more likely to meet in enclosed spaces with reduced ventilation.

You can help protect yourself and others by:

washing your hands regularly with soap and water
using a tissue when you cough or sneeze, disposing of it and washing your hands afterwards
letting fresh air into your home for a few minutes, particularly before and after having visitors
where possible avoiding close contact with people who may be particularly vulnerable if you are unwell
staying at home if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities

If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, stay away from work, school or nursery and do not visit friends or family in hospital until you have been free from these symptoms for at least 48 hours. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if you have vomiting or diarrhoea. Alcohol hand gels are not effective against norovirus.

If you feel unwell

Your local pharmacist can give advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses, including coughs, colds and sore throats. Through NHS Pharmacy First, participating community pharmacies can also assess and, where appropriate, treat certain common conditions without you needing a GP appointment.

Use NHS 111 online or call 111 if you need urgent medical help and are not sure what to do.

Call 999 in a medical emergency.

Get vaccinated

Vaccination can help protect you from serious illness during the winter.

Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can cause serious illness for some people. Different vaccines are offered to different groups based on the risk of infection and serious illness. This is a decision and you can choose whether or not to have them.

Older person receiving a vaccination in the arm from a healthcare professional

Flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is offered free through the NHS to people who are more likely to become seriously ill from flu.

This includes:

people aged 65 and over
pregnant people
people with certain long-term health conditions
children aged 2 and 3
school-aged children
people living in long-stay residential care
some Carers and people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Even if you had a 'flu vaccine last year, it is important to get this year's vaccine because protection reduces over time and circulating ‘flu viruses differ each year.

Those who are not eligible for a free ‘flu vaccine through the NHS may be able to access it through their employer, or by purchasing privately at a local pharmacy.

You can find out more on the NHS website.

COVID-19 vaccine

From autumn 2026, the NHS COVID-19 vaccination is offered to:

adults aged 75 and over
residents of care homes for older adults
people aged 6 months to 74 years and who are immunosuppressed

You can find out more on the NHS website.

RSV vaccine

RSV is a common respiratory virus. It usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, but it can cause serious illness in babies, older adults and some people with health conditions.

From September 2026, the RSV vaccine is offered to:

pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy, to help protect their baby after delivery
people aged 75 and over
adults living in care homes for older adults
people aged 65 to 74 with certain long-term respiratory conditions or a weakened immune system

Eligibility can differ between vaccines. Check the latest NHS information or speak to your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure whether you are eligible.

Find out more about vaccinations

Stay connected

Winter can feel isolating, particularly when bad weather makes it harder to get out.

Check in on friends, family and neighbours who may be more vulnerable during cold weather, particularly people who live alone, are older, have a health condition or may find it difficult to get out.

Woman is in her kitchen on the phone smiling

If cold or severe weather is forecast:

Check that people you know are safe and warm.
Ask whether they have enough food and medication.
Check whether they need help getting to appointments or collecting essentials.
Help them find support with heating and household costs if they are experiencing challenges keeping their home warm or paying their energy bills.

There are groups, activities and community spaces across Havering where you can meet other people and stay connected.

If winter is affecting your mood or mental wellbeing, support is also available locally.

Find local places and groups where you can connect with the community