Ready for the challenges of autumn and winter

As temperatures drop and the weather becomes wetter with the advance of autumn, we’re affected in different ways. 

Cold weather can make life harder for people with conditions like asthma, heart problems, or joint and nerve issues. 

Wet ground and fallen leaves can also increase the risk of slips and falls, especially for those with reduced mobility. 

One way in which we all become more vulnerable over autumn and winter is the spread of viruses, for example colds, flu and Covid, as well as bacterial infections such as bacterial pneumonia. 

It’s not just physical health that’s affected, as the nights draw closer our mood can be affected too because we spend more time indoors, which can further harm our mental health. 

If you’re lucky enough to be in good physical and mental health, it can still be a challenge to get through autumn and winter unscathed. If you have a pre-existing long-term condition, it can be much more difficult and it’s even more important to become an expert in your own health. 

Taking medication as prescribed, attending vaccination appointments and taking up any screening invitations, are all part of caring for yourself properly. Just as important is understanding your condition, knowing what warning signs or triggers to watch out for and knowing what particular symptoms mean for you – and what to do when you notice them. 

Regular handwashing with soap and water, particularly when arriving home from outdoors, is a simple but very effective way to reduce the risk of infection, while keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home can help to nurse you through a minor illness without exposing you to further risk of infection by having to go out. 

It’s always good to ensure to share your health information with someone close to you, whether it’s a family member or a friend, so that if you do fall ill, they too know what to watch for and how to react  

With the right balance of planning, preparation and precaution, there’s no reason why everyone can’t have a fulfilling and enjoyable time over the autumn and winter months.