A leading Lancashire and South Cumbria-based respiratory consultant has advised local communities to be extra vigilant this winter to protect their lungs, following national increases in flu, RSV and COVID-19, which exacerbates other conditions such as COPD and asthma.
In the week beginning 9th December, there was a 28% increase in flu infections in hospitals in the North West, with 1153 patients in hospital – up from 825 in the previous week.
Professor Mohammed Munavvar, who works at Royal Preston Hospital as a consultant chest physician, has seen a rise in patients with respiratory conditions, so wants to ensure the local community are aware of steps they can take to avoid GP visits or hospital admission.
If you have long-term respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, winter can worsen your symptoms, often leading to shortness of breath or more coughing than usual. To manage your symptoms, you must be ‘weather-wise’. Being weather-wise means:
- Knowing why it is important to manage your condition more carefully during winter
- Having information to manage your condition during the winter months
- Making changes to your lifestyle to prevent your condition from getting worse
It is important that those eligible should seek to have their COVID-19 and flu jabs to help protect themselves, their families and their loved ones. Patients can search for their nearest location on the NHS website.
The National Booking system for booking these vaccinations is now closed, but it still possible for those eligible to get their vaccinations through local NHS vaccination services, however people may need to travel further.
Professor Munavvar said: “For many, the winter period can be a source of concern and worry as those with existing respiratory illnesses can find themselves more susceptible to the effects of cold weather, finding themselves short of breath and coughing more than usual. Add this to the increase in the ‘quademic’ – cases of flu, RSV, COVID-19 and Norovirus – and it means it’s all the more important for our communities to make sure they do what they can to stay well this winter.”
There are plenty of things which those with respiratory conditions can do to ensure that they remain well this winter, such as keeping warm, staying active and planning ahead with medications. It is important to keep warm by wearing layers of clothing when it’s cold. If you need to leave the house, check the weather forecast for the rest of the day to minimise your chances of getting caught in sudden downpours or strong, icy winds.
Staying active and exercising can also be helpful, by keeping the blood circulating and the body warm. If you have a lung condition, your doctor will be able to advise you of a suitable level of exercise for you.
Professor Munavvar added: “Those on medication should ensure that they have an adequate supply, carry it with them, and people who have been prescribed bronchodilators should use them as directed before leaving the house, to prevent the cold weather causing a sudden tightening of the airways when they are out.”
For more information on respiratory disease, visit the NHS website here.
