How to stay warm this winter

Does getting cold affect our immune system?

Many of us will have been told ‘you'll catch a cold’ when we ventured out without a coat as children. But while there's no evidence that cold directly affects the immune system, cold temperatures might help existing viruses to thrive. "Being cold does not directly affect the immune system, but research has shown that some viruses - especially rhinovirus, which causes the common cold - replicate better in cold and dry conditions. So, we are likely to get more colds in the winter/cold temperatures as compared to the summer/hot temperatures," explains Doctor Samar Mahmood.

How cold is too cold?

If we're used to wandering around our house in a t-shirt whatever the weather, dropping the heating a couple of degrees might simply mean we need to dress more warmly when indoors. But if we're trying to avoid turning on the heating in the coldest weather, it's important to understand the symptoms of our body becoming dangerously cold. "The average normal body temperature is anything between around 36⁰Cand 37.5⁰C. If the core body temperature drops below around35⁰C then signs of hypothermia can set in - including shivering, drowsiness, pallor, initially rapid and then eventually slowed down breathing and a fast heart rate,” says Mahmood.

Who is most at risk?

While being too cold is unpleasant for anyone, some people are more susceptible to the cold than others. Colder temperatures can be especially dangerous to those who are vulnerable or dealing with poor health. Low temperatures are more dangerous for: "anyone at the extremes of age, such as very small children and the elderly,” says Mahmood.

Keeping an eye on others

Even if we are not feeling the financial pinch this winter, it's important to be mindful of others. Neighbours or relatives, especially those who are elderly, might be embarrassed to admit they are living in conditions that are too cold. If you are concerned, it's important to be aware of how to know that someone is suffering in the cold temperatures. "Signs may include having cold fingers and/or toes, as the extremities get colder first," says Mahmood. "You may also notice a person shivering."

"If this carries on and the body temperature continues to reduce then more serious signs can develop. These may include some of the signs of hypothermia, and also blueish discolouration of the skin as well as confusion."

Patient picks for Healthcare

General health and lifestyle

The health benefits of sex toys

The global sex toy industry is worth more than $15 billion a year and research suggests that almost half the British population admit to owning at least one product. We go beyond the pleasure principle to examine the health benefits of sex toys.

by Sally Turner

General health and lifestyle

Exercise and physical activity

Doing regular physical activity can make people feel good about themselves and it can have a number of benefits for health. For example, it reduces the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, many cancers, type 2 diabetes and 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis). Regular physical activity also helps to control weight and ease stress. Ideally, the aim should be at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on at least five days of the week but even 10 minutes is better than nothing. You should aim to do at least a couple of sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week as well.

by Dr Pippa Vincent, MRCGP

Keeping warm this winter

In this time of financial crisis, staying warm this winter may not be easy. However, the following advice from Age UK may help to stave off the harmful affects of cold weather this winter:

Keep moving

Exercise can help to raise our core temperature. So being more active can help.Support and encourage the people in your life to keep moving around at home or take up simple indoor exercises, especially if they can't get out and about as usual.

Eat well

As well as protecting our outer warmth, eating well can both warm us up and help with our energy levels. Eating well is important to keep someone’s strength up, and hot food and drinks will help stay warm.

Layer up

Thick jumpers can be great at staving off the winter cold, but if you want to stay toasty, having several layers of clothing is the best way to keep warm in winter. If you're heading out, make sure you take some extra layers with you, even if you don't need them immediately - the temperature can drop significantly when the sun goes in.

Get Jabbed

To avoid winter bugs, it's also important to take advantage of Flu jabs if offered, and keep up to date with your Covid19 boosters. Being cold can help viruses to thrive, so it's important to stay protected.

Speak to your energy company

With the cost of energy on the rise, many of us are dreading how the price of our gas and electric may affect our finances. If you are worried about paying your bills, or turning on the heating at all, it's worth having a chat with your energy company which can offer advice and may be able to provide support.

What if I’m worried?

If you're worried about an elderly or vulnerable person, make sure you seek advice. If the person is elderly, Age UK has a variety of ways it can support.

While some people may claim that the cold 'doesn't do any harm' this is far from being the case. Keeping warm during the winter is an important part of staying healthy, especially for those who are vulnerable. If concerned, make sure you reach out to friends or relatives, or seek medical advice if symptoms develop.