Staying Well this Winter
We are now entering the season when coughs, colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses become more common.
Winter can be a difficult time for many people - especially for the very young, older adults, and those with long-term health conditions.
At Shropdoc, we’re here to help people across Powys stay well this winter by offering advice, support, and out-of-hours care when it’s needed most.
Common Winter illnesses
During the colder months, the following illnesses are more likely to circulate:
- Colds and coughs
- Flu
- Norovirus (winter vomiting bug)
- Bronchitis and pneumonia
- COVID-19, which remains a seasonal concern
While many of these conditions are mild and can be managed at home, some can lead to complications - particularly in vulnerable groups.
How to protect yourself and others
Here are some simple but effective steps you can take to reduce the risk of illness and help protect your community:
Wash hands regularly
Hand hygiene is vital in stopping the spread of viruses. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in public places.
Catch it, bin it, kill it
Always carry tissues, use them to catch coughs and sneezes, and dispose of them promptly. Follow up with hand washing or hand sanitiser.
Stay home when unwell
If you or your child are feeling unwell - especially with fever, vomiting, or a persistent cough - it’s best to stay home and rest to prevent spreading illness.
Keep warm
Keeping your home warm can help prevent colds and respiratory illnesses. Aim to heat the rooms you use most to at least 18°C.
Eat well and stay active
Eating a balanced diet and staying active, even with short walks, can help boost your immune system through the colder months.
Supporting each other: Shropdoc’s CHECK campaign
Shropdoc’s CHECK campaign is a simple but powerful reminder to look out for those around us, especially during the colder months and festive season.
The CHECK acronym stands for:
- Care for those around you
- Help anyone who may need assistance
- Everyone can provide support
- Consistent in your checks
- Keep our communities running
Shropdoc Medical Director, Dr Simon Chapple, explains the importance of this initiative:
“Checking on your neighbours and ensuring they have repeat prescriptions to carry them through the colder seasons, and making sure they know the correct services to contact if they have a long-term condition that may worsen, can play a huge part in supporting communities.
“Although simply checking in with others and reminding them about getting prescriptions and having the right contact information available seems trivial, it can have a really big impact - and it can be life-saving if people are struggling with energy bills and are cold in their own homes.”
When to seek help
Most winter illnesses can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. However, you should seek medical advice if:
- Your symptoms are severe or not improving after a few days
- You have a long-term condition that may be worsened by illness
- You're caring for someone who is elderly, frail, or has a weakened immune system
- You’re unsure whether symptoms could be flu, COVID-19, or something else