STAY WELL THIS WINTER

During winter, the cold weather can put people at higher risk of becoming unwell.

Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather than others, including those aged over 65, babies and young children, people with long-term health conditions and disabilities, pregnant women, and those on a low income who may struggle to pay heating bills.

We want to help you stay as well as possible over winter by sharing helpful information about your local health team. They  are here to support you and your family by offering care that’s right for you, near where you live.

If you need to contact your GP practice, you can do so in three ways: online, by phone, or in person.  

Below are some simple tips to help you stay well this winter.

Minor illnesses and injuries

You can treat very minor illnesses and injuries yourself at home. For colds and flu, it’s best to rest, keep warm, drink plenty of fluids and take painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin.

Check your medicine cabinet

Be prepared and, if you can, have over the counter medicines at home for common conditions such as a cold, indigestion, or diarrhoea. A first aid kit with items like plasters, a thermometer and antiseptic is also useful. Ask your pharmacist if you need advice and always remember to keep medicines locked away or out of the reach of children. Find a pharmacy.

Pharmacies open over Christmas and New Year

See the opening hours for pharmacies in North Central London which have been asked to open during the bank holidays. Pharmacy opening hours for Christmas and New Year Holidays 2024/2025 | NCL ICS

Keeping warm at home

If you’re not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18C if you can. If possible, keep your bedroom at 18C all night and windows closed.

To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C.

Dress up warm when you go out

Wear lots of thin layers – clothes made from cotton, wool, or fleecy fibres are particularly good at helping to maintain body heat and several layers are better at trapping warm air than one layer. Also wear good-fitting slippers and shoes with a grip to avoid slipping when at home or out and about.

Find out more tips for staying well this winter

More help on offer in your local area

We have included information about what support’s available in your local area below. Here you can find out about help on offer from local services including health, the cost of living, housing, and immigration.

• Your Local Health Team Barnet
• Your Local Health Team Camden
• Your Local Health Team Enfield
• Your Local Health Team Haringey
• Your Local Health Team Islington

Return to Your Local Health Team landing page