As we head into the winter months, we are working with the NHS to make sure everyone living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) knows how to keep warm and well in the colder weather and get the support they need.
Winter conditions can put a strain on our health, especially for people with long term conditions. Cold and damp weather, strong winds, hail and snow can aggravate existing health problems, make us more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses, and increase the risk of falls.
Many people with CKD can also experience anaemia, which means they will feel the cold more than other people.
Being cold can also cause blood pressure to rise, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Staying well this winter
This includes keeping yourself and your home warm with low-cost tips, keeping active, making sure you have the right medication, and seeking mental health and financial support when you need it.
The NHS is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines for free to those most at risk of getting seriously ill, such as people with CKD stage 3-5, those on dialysis or who have received a transplant, and people aged 65 and over.
Our Stay Well this Winter leaflet will be distributed to GP practices across the country. You can also download a digital version below.
