Dr Hana Patel says people with four conditions 'at greater risk' in winter

As winter sets in, so does cold and flu season, but the colder temperatures can also exaggerate many existing health conditions, from asthma to eczema. In a bid to offer some practical advice, Saga Health teamed up with Dr Hana Patel to discuss why the cold weather impacts our health and what we can do to keep fit and well.

Dr Hana said: “As the weather gets colder, illnesses and respiratory infections become more common as we spend more time indoors with others, facilitating the potential spread. Additionally, many viruses can survive longer in the dry, cold air, making it easier for them to spread from one person to another.

“Cold weather can also aggravate existing health conditions including respiratory, circulatory, skeletal, and skin conditions. Symptoms of these conditions can worsen and the ability of our bodies to manage them may decrease.”

Existing conditions that can be heightened in winter

Taking a closer look at these seasonal flare-ups, Saga analysed UK Google Search queries from the summer months - June, July, August - to the winter months - December, January, February - to uncover which symptoms are being searched for the most.

Respiratory conditions – asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia

Breathing-related conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia are all more prevalent during the wintertime since the air becomes colder and drier. This is because the cold winter air can cause our airways to become irritated and swollen, thanks to its increased dryness. This can exaggerate an existing breathing problem further.

To help combat this, it's good practise to wear a scarf around your neck and face to help warm the air before breathing it in. Make sure to also drink extra fluids to help combat any dryness in the throat, which can make it harder to breathe.

Skin conditions – eczema, shingles, psoriasis

Conditions such as eczema are also heightened during the wintertime because of the fluctuation of temperatures. The colder air outside and the heated air inside can both cause the skin's surface to dry out and lose its natural moisture.

Regularly moisturising the skin, especially when getting out of the shower, can help replenish anything that has been lost. Keeping skin covered when outdoors will also help prevent it from drying out as much. Vitamin D supplements should also be taken during the wintertime as this helps the skin to repair itself naturally.

Circulatory conditions – high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke

Cold weather can raise the risk of heart and circulatory problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, since your heart has to work harder. This is because when you are cold, blood vessels in your skin, fingers, and toes narrow so that less heat is lost. But this narrowing creates more pressure in the rest of the system causing the heart to work harder to pump blood around the body, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

This is a normal response to the cold, but the extra strain can lead to heart symptoms for people who have an existing condition. It’s important to remember to take any medication on time and keep up-to-date with repeat prescriptions.

Skeletal conditions – arthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis

Bones, muscle, and joint-related ailments are also heightened during the winter months because of the colder temperatures and lack of sunlight. Conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can flare up because of reduced blood flow and tightened muscle tissue. Both of these factors can lead to increased pain and reduced mobility and stiffness.

The best way to reduce symptoms is to keep yourself warm to prevent your muscles from tightening. It’s also a good idea to wear loose layers of clothing rather than tighter, restrictive ones to help with any movements. Eating a balanced diet is a good way to reduce the effects of these conditions – especially foods rich in calcium and protein to support bone and joint health.

GP’s advice for keeping healthy throughout winter

The winter season can be a challenging time for maintaining both physical and mental well-being, so Dr Hana Patel has provided some winter wellness tips to help make the most of the season.

• Maintain a healthy diet - One of the fundamentals of our health is the food we eat since this is where we get all our required nutrients to keep our bodies working and fight off any illnesses.
• Keep active - Regular exercise boosts the immune system, enhances mood, and improves cardiovascular (heart) health. It also helps to improve our mental health, as well as reduce the risk of falling in older people.
• Dress warmly - Staying warm helps the body fight off any infections and helps ease any discomforts by improving blood flow to help relieve muscles.
• Get enough sleep - Shorter daylight hours can disrupt sleep patterns, so try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body's circadian rhythm. It’s recommended that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night whereas children require between nine and twelve.
• Monitor stress levels - Overworking and lack of rest during the winter can increase stress and make you more vulnerable to illness. Stress can actually suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off viruses and infections.

For more information on how to keep healthy this winter, visit the Saga website.