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