Top tips for staying well in winter

Vaccinations – In addition to receiving the Covid-19 booster vaccinations, people with chronic respiratory disease are eligible for an annual flu vaccination. This significantly reduces the chances of being severely affected by the influenza virus. Some respiratory patients are also eligible for a single dose of pneumococcal vaccination which protects against pneumonia. Check your eligibility here
Avoid contact with people suffering from a cold. Viruses are common triggers of flare ups of asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions. Avoiding people with symptoms of a virus, such as a cough, cold or fever, helps to reduce the chance of catching a virus. Wearing a mask in crowded public spaces, particularly indoors, can also reduce the chances of catching a virus and triggering a flare up of chest problems.
Make sure you use your preventer medications regularly and that you can access these on repeat prescription. When you have a 7 day supply left, make sure to order another supply and plan early for public holiday periods where you may need to order a little earlier.
Make sure you know how to take all your medicines, include your inhaler. Using your inhaler incorrectly can prevent the medication in it from reaching your lungs and this may result in you feeling less well.
Make sure all medicines are in date – this includes your reliever inhaler, particularly if you don’t need to use it regularly.
Have a clear idea of what your early warning signs for a flare up are and have a plan of what to do if you feel a flare up starting. This might include contacting your surgery and starting a rescue pack, if you have one of these at home. Ask your GP or nurse about a self management plan.
Keeping active can be challenging in winter but introducing some movement in to your day can really help you to stay well. This might be as simple as standing up from your chair 5-10 times every few hours to help keep muscle strength. Many areas have activity classes designed for people with breathing and mobility issues that you may be able to access.
If you are outside when it is cold try using a scarf in front of your nose and mouth to warm the air being breathed in and reduce the impact on your lungs.
Keeping warm – including eating regularly and taking hot drinks – can help you to stay well. Wearing layers of clothing can help with this. Keeping doors closed to exclude draughts and using hot water bottles or electric blankets can all help.