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.
Our Stay Well this Winter leaflet will be distributed to renal units across the country or you can download a digital copy below.
Protecting yourself with the flu vaccine
For those who are at more at risk of serious complications from flu, the NHS offers a free flu vaccination. If you are vaccinated in time but still catch flu this winter, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised. Injected flu vaccines do not contain live viruses, so cannot give you flu.
These vaccines have been rigorously tested, are constantly monitored and we know that the benefits of having the vaccinations far outweigh any risk.Dr Oge Llozue, GP and Vaccination Programme Clinical Advisor
If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, the NHS will usually let you know when you can book an appointment, however if you are not sure you can speak to your GP practice. Adults can also book a free NHS flu vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online or in the NHS app.
Stay safe with the COVID-19 vaccine
For those most at risk of getting seriously ill if they contract Covid-19, the Covid vaccine is available.
This includes people who have a weakened immune system such as those taking immunosuppressant medication following a kidney transplant, or those who have a kidney condition that requires them to take immunosuppressants.
You can book your appointment with the NHS App or book online using the NHS website. You can also find places offering walk-in vaccinations.
Changes to who is offered the Covid-19 vaccine
This autumn and winter, the NHS is offering the Covid-19 vaccine to people at the highest risk of serious illness, such as older people and those who have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment.
This includes people who have received a kidney transplant, but unlike previous years, does not include people with CKD stage 5 and people on dialysis.
More information on the updated advice can be found on our Covid-19 Vaccination page.