PHE issues health warning among cold weather forecasts

Public Health England has issues further health warnings as the Met Office forecasts a return of the cold weather.

The latest forecasts suggest that another spell of cold weather will impact all parts of England and is urging people to keep an eye out for those most at risk over the coming days.

Dr Thomas Waite, of PHE’s extreme events team, said: “Every winter thousands of people die because of their exposure to cold weather and doctors’ surgeries, hospitals and other parts of the NHS are kept busy as people fall ill - that’s why it’s really important that we all do everything we can to ensure everyone stays well this winter.

“Think about how the coming cold temperatures may affect your friends, family and neighbours, particularly if they are older or very young or have pre-existing health conditions. These groups can be particularly at risk from the ill-effects of cold so think now what you could do to help. Keeping homes heated to at least 18C is a great way to avoid the health problems from cold, as is stocking up on food and medicine before cold weather sets in and wearing lots of thin layers instead of fewer thick ones.

“Much of this is common sense but there are people at very real risk when temperatures drop. Now is the time to think about what we can all do for ourselves and others.”