Keeping well in the cold with a long-term respiratory condition
Date posted: 21st October 2022Dr Patrick Haslam is a local GP and joint Clinical Lead of the Morecambe Bay Respiratory Network (MBRN).
The vision for the MBRN is simple – to dramatically improve care for patients with respiratory disease in Morecambe Bay with a seamless, integrated care pathway. You can find out more about the MBRN here.
Here Dr Haslam answers your questions and advises on how to stay well during the colder months if you are living with a long-term respiratory condition.
Q) “What are the best ways of protecting myself against flu and other winter viruses?”
Dr Haslam says: “The best way to avoid getting flu is to have your flu vaccination.
“Flu can be a serious illness and even more so if you’re living with a lung condition. That’s why people living with long-term conditions are eligible for a free flu jab.
“It’s important to have your flu jab as early as possible. You can ask your GP or pharmacist about getting a free flu jab which will reduce the risk of you having to be admitted to hospital.
“I would also recommend having your Covid booster to reduce your chances of catching Covid and risks of becoming unwell.
“If you are over 65 you should be offered an anti-pneumonia vaccination, this is really important for patients with lung conditions such as Asthma, COPD, Bronchiectasis and Pulmonary Fibrosis.”
More information about flu vaccinations can be found at the NHS website here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
You can find out more about Covid vaccinations at the Integrated Care Board website here and the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
You can find out more about anti-pneumonia vaccines here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pneumococcal-vaccination/
Q) “I’m due to visit my family but they are full of cold, what should I do?”
Dr Haslam says: “Viruses are very common causes of exacerbations of lung conditions. It is best to avoid seeing your family until they are better, as colds and flu spread very easily. It can be hard not seeing your loved ones but it’s important to look after your health especially if you are more vulnerable or have a long-term respiratory condition.”
Q) “Why is it so important that I agree on a plan with my healthcare professional to keep me well during the colder months?”
Dr Haslam says: “We are always encouraging patients to self-manage their condition, there is some evidence that patients with self-management plans do better in terms of improved symptoms and reduced exacerbations. Knowing what to do when you feel unwell is very important and we hope that these plans give you the confidence to seek help at the right time.
“It is also important to make sure that you have enough medications in your house and that you know how to use your inhalers – you can get support from your GP practice, pharmacies and websites such as www.rightbreathe.com."
- Q) “The cold is affecting my respiratory condition but I can’t afford to put my heating on. Is there anywhere I can go for support?”
Dr Haslam says: “This is important for so many reasons and this is a really tough time for some of our patients. Keeping your home warm will certainly help your lung condition.
“If you need help with heating costs, you might be entitled to welfare benefits. Take a look at the below links.
“If you think your home is damp, it’s important to act quickly to find out what’s causing the damp and how to deal with mould. Take a look at how to prevent condensation in your home. You can also find useful tips on how to deal with mould.”
- British Lung Foundation: https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/welfare-benefits/heating-costs
- Cumbria County Council: https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/welfare/housing.asp
- Lancashire County Council: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/benefits-and-financial-help/help-with-energy-bills/#:~:text=You%20can%20also%20call%20the,helpline%20on%200800%20444%20202
- Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/
- Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/debt-savings/energy/
Q) “I’ve heard that exercising can help improve my respiratory condition and my mental health. Do you have any free online resources?”
Dr Pat Haslam said: “Keeping active is essential for patients with respiratory disease. Not everyone will be able to do the same activities but doing as much you can to maintain an active lifestyle is very important. Here is some information on keeping active, alternatively patients with chronic lung disease can be referred to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes. PR is a core part of the treatment of respiratory disease and has a mountain of evidence behind it showing that patients improve their symptoms, stay out of hospital and have a better quality of life. Your GP can discuss PR with you.”
- https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/keep-active
- https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/keep-active/exercise-video
Q) “I’d like to join an information and support group with other people who have a Long-Term respiratory condition. Do you know of any local groups?”
Dr Pat Haslam said: “People living with long-term respiratory conditions across Morecambe Bay can now access ‘Breathe Easy’ groups based in the community. Following the pandemic, various teams have been working incredibly hard to get these groups going again. There is evidence that being part of these patient groups improves symptoms, quality of life and reduces demand on the healthcare system.
“The groups are an Integrated Care Community (ICC) initiative supported by volunteers and are affiliated with Morecambe Bay Respiratory Network and Asthma + Lung UK. You can find more details at the following link.”