Last updated:
19th January 2024
Who's most at risk from cold weather?
Some people are at higher risk to becoming seriously unwell because of cold weather. These include:
- People aged 65 and above
- Babies and children under the age of 5
- People on a low income
- People who have a long-term health condition
- People with a disability
- Pregnant women
- People who have a mental health condition
- People at risk of falls
- People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
- People who are housebound or have low mobility
- People living in deprived circumstances
There are many reasons for the increased risk of ill-health in cold weather. Some include:
- Poor quality housing and particularly cold homes
- Higher frequency of circulating infectious diseases, such as flu and norovirus during the winter months
- Physical hazards such as snow and ice
- Use of malfunctioning or inappropriate appliances to heat their homes, which can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
- Damp and mould in your home can increase the risk of respiratory problems and infections, allergies, and asthma, and can also affect your immune system