Advice and Information

Winter 2011/12 – helping you to stay healthy this winter

Protecting yourself against the cold is important, whatever your age, but it is particularly important if you are an older person, disabled, or have a long term condition (for example heart, lung or kidney disease). 

In the UK, there are around 30,000 excess winter deaths each year, which are related to the colder weather between December and March. Although cold weather is a factor in excess deaths, Scandinavian countries for example do not have the same pattern of winter deaths - a strong indication that this is preventable.

A drop in body temperature contributes to these deaths by thickening the blood and restricting circulation. There is also an increased risk of injury from falls, and people are more prone to seasonal illnesses like flu.

How you can help

This web page has been set up by NHS North Yorkshire and York to provide simple advice, resources and information to help people minimise the affects of winter. It will be updated throughout the winter season, so please keep an eye on the information we post here.

The Seasonal Flu Vaccine – protect yourself, protect your family and do your colleagues a favour!

If you are eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine you are strongly encouraged to receive it. By having the jab, you will be doing the following:

• Protecting yourself and your family from flu

• Protecting any vulnerable people you come into contact with from a potentially lethal dose of the flu

• And, if you work, helping reduce pressure on your colleagues by reducing absenteeism in the work place

Who is eligible for a free vaccine?

You can get a free flu jab from your GP if you:

• are 65 or over

• have a serious medical condition (such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, serious kidney and liver disease, chronic respiratory disease etc.)

• are the main carer for an elderly or disabled family member whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill

• are pregnant (this now includes all pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy – a slight change to last year).

Health and social care professionals, like Dr David Geddes (pictured) who have direct contact with patients and service users should all be offered the seasonal flu vaccine through their employer.

Facts and fiction about the flu jab

Flu vaccines are generally very safe. The most common reaction to the jab is a sore arm, or you may feel hot for a day or two after the vaccination. This year’s flu jabs have been tested and approved for use across the UK and in Europe. The jab cannot give you flu because it doesn't contain any active viruses.

For more information

To find out more about the vaccine, like who should have it and its safety record, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu-jab 

Alternatively, speak to a member of staff at your GP practice about the seasonal flu vaccine.

Download the official NHS Seasonal Flu poster here.

Hand Hygiene - the single most important thing to reduce common illnesses

Following a few simple steps can significantly reduce the spread of colds and flu as well as a virus called Norovirus (also known as winter vomiting) which can seriously affect the running of hospitals and care homes.

In addition, common illnesses such as flu can significantly increase absenteeism in the workplace during the winter months, putting added pressure on organisations and employees who have to cover extra work.

NHS North Yorkshire and York has launched a campaign to encourage people to wash their hands following the six step technique recommended by infection control professionals.

Dr Phil Kirby, Interim Director of Public Health at NHS North Yorkshire and York, said: “The most common way germs are spread is on your hands. Germs are often harmless but they can cause illnesses such as colds, flu and stomach upset.

“Proper hand washing with soap and warm water is the single most important thing you can do to help reduce the spread of infection and help protect yourself, your family and those around you.”

To help illustrate the six step techniques of good hand washing, NHS North Yorkshire and York has produced a short video to demonstrate how it’s done.

If you have problems viewing this video please visit our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/nyypct.

We have also produced a poster showing the six steps. Click here to download it.

Why hand washing is so important – download our flyer here.

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