The winter months can be a challenging time, but there are lots of things you can do to keep healthy and well.

One of the ways to protect yourself and others against illness is to get vaccinated. Being vaccinated not only protects you, but also protects your loved ones, and helps to ease pressure on the NHS.

Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms.

Visit nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations to find out more about winter vaccinations and see if you’re eligible.

Other precautions you can take to prepare for the cold weather and look after your wellbeing are:

• Keep warm - Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems. Heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom. If you are in financial difficulty, there are grants, benefits and advice available to help you make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help manage energy bills.. You can also get help with navigating the cost of living crisis this winter on our cost of living support directory.
• Prepare your home - Winter-proof your home by adding insultation to your water pipes, put salt and sand on outdoor steps and paths to prevent falls in icy weather, fit draft excluders around doors and sanitise surfaces to stop the spread of illnesses.
• Stay healthy and well - Keep active, eat well, wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and remember you shouldn’t visit people or have visitors over if you have COVID-19 or the flu.
• Look after your mental health – Winter can be a particularly difficult time. People can feel isolated and lonely, particularly on colder, darker days. If you think you need help, visit Warrington’s mental health support directory - Happy? Ok? Sad?
• Look in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives - Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra help over the winter. There's a lot you can do to help people who need support. Find out ways you can help - Stay well this winter | warrington.gov.uk, Living Well | warrington.gov.uk

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for Health, Wellbeing and Social care: “As the winter months set in, so do winter illnesses. That’s why it’s important to have your seasonal vaccinations to stop the spread and risk of infection.

“Simple steps like washing your hands regularly, covering your face when coughing or sneezing and sanitising surfaces can also go a long way to protecting yourself and others.

“Though the festive period brings so much joy it can also be a lonely time for some. Please try to look out for those who may be by themselves during the festive period.”

In December, the council is hosting a ‘Safe and Well’ drop-in event that will be the perfect one-stop-shop for residents to get advice and information about how to stay well this winter:

• Tuesday 10 December - 12 noon -  3pm - Fearnhead Cross Community Centre, Insall Road WA2 0HD

The events will include:

• Advice on how to access benefits that you may be entitled to – there are several benefits available for residents who qualify, and the events will help you explore and discuss what you might be able to access
• Health checks, and flu and covid-19 vaccinations
• Advice on how to stay safe at home, including fire safety information and guidance
• Freebies to help you keep well at home this Christmas

If you find yourself unwell remember to call NHS 111 for non-critical help. A&E is open to anyone who has an urgent, life-threating injury or illness.

For more information and guidance on keeping well this winter, travel safety, school closures and much more, visit our stay well this winter page.