As temperatures drop and winter weather sets in, it’s easier to pick up bugs and viruses that could leave you feeling miserable over the festive period.

Cold and damp conditions, ice, snow and high winds can all make existing health problems worse, leave you more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, and increase your risk of slips and falls.

The South West’s top clinicians are sharing some simple steps you can take now to protect yourself and make sure you’re fit and well to enjoy everything the season has to offer.

Dr Rupa Joshi, A GP and Medical Director for NHS England – South West said: “We want people to ensure that they are taking the best steps to keep themselves well this winter, especially in any cold weather snaps.

 “Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

“If you can, you should be aiming for the main room you use during the day, and at night, to be at least 18 C, this is particularly important if you have a long-term health condition like heart failure or chronic airways disease.

“Wearing several thinner layers will keep you warmer than one thicker layer and it is also very important to ensure you are eating enough and having hot drinks when you can.”

Heating is a big cost for many households, but there are things that you can do to help reduce this and keep your home warm such as reducing draughts with curtains, draught excluders, wearing layers of clothing and insulating your boiler and pipes.

There are some great organisations across the region providing help and advice, your local council and NHS websites will have information on local resources and support as well as the national Help for Households Website https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/

If you are struggling to heat your home this winter, there are some great organisations across the South West providing help and advice, including warm hubs.

Somerset Council funds a warm hub at The Crispin Community Centre in Street with the Government’s Household Support Fund. The hub provides a welcoming space where people can stay warm, socialise with others and connect.

For details on the full range of help available through the Household Support Fund in Somerset, visit Somerset Council’s Cost-of-living Support page.

Michaela Edmunds, manager at the Crispin Community Centre said: “The warm space is used by many people from Street and the surrounding areas.

“We have a number of wonderful volunteers who happily give their time to make food, drinks and make everyone feel welcome and valued.

“The outcome is truly heart-warming, a room full of people chatting and enjoying something hot to eat or drink on a cold wet day, leaving brighter than when they arrived means the world to everyone involved. Spaces like these enhance peoples physical and mental well being during long, lonely winters.”

 Pauline who visits the Crispin Community Centre said: “It’s a friendly and helpful place; I’m very pleased to be able to go there. If I wasn’t here, I’d be at home on my own. If I need help, I can ask and they will help me.”

 John who attends the centre said: “Coming here gives me friendly company. I have met new people here and now we go on day trips together. I really enjoy chatting to all the people that come in for coffee and the other people who use the centre for their activities.”

Staying active is also an essential part of keeping warm this winter, and to help reduce the risk of falling ill in the colder months.

Dr Justin Varney-Bennett, Director of Public Health for NHS England South West said: “Being active everyday can help improve your mental health, reduce the risk of falling and can be beneficial for recovery if you do get ill.

 “You should be aiming to do enough activity that will make you feel a little bit warmer but can still have a conversation. Don’t do anything that doesn’t feel comfortable and trust your instincts about your own limits.

“Try to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting down during the day and try not to sit still for more than an hour or so if you can.”

“There are many activities you could do at home, such as walking up and down stairs, dancing, gardening, housework, or taking part in online fitness classes. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s something you enjoy and keeps you moving.”

There are various exercises you can do to keep active whilst sat.

Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra help over the winter.

There is advice on keeping warm and well, as well as getting your winter vaccinations on the NHS website.