Kent urged to “Keep Warm, Keep Well” this winter

It is a stark statistic that hundreds of elderly people die each winter in Kent due to potentially preventable issues such as flu and poor health, cold homes and malnutrition.



Kent County Council is raising awareness of this public health issue with some basic safety tips for residents to protect themselves, older and vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.

As part of its "Keep Warm, Keep Well" scheme – and in support of the NHS winter campaign "Feeling under the weather this winter?" – people are being urged to contact key professionals and services who can help.

Using a special thermometer card – available at GP surgeries, medical centres, libraries and other locations across the county – residents can see how cold their homes are and seek advice from a special phone hotline. People over 65 and those with long-term medical conditions are also eligible for the free flu vaccine and are advised to book an appointment with their GP.

KCC Interim Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark said:

Advice includes:

• regular hot meals to help keep your body warm.
• keep your home heated – set the heating to the right temperature (18-21C)
• if trying to save fuel, it is advisable to heat the living room during the day, the bathroom when needed and the bedroom, just before going to bed
• have your flu vaccine to protect yourself and others
• have your heating and cooking appliances checked regularly and make sure the chimney has been swept recently.

Read more health advice.

As part of the NHS "Feeling under the weather this winter?" campaign, older people are also urged to seek early advice from their pharmacist for minor winter illnesses. It is targeted at the over 60s, and also at those aged 45 and above who often look after an older friend, neighbour or relative.

If you're over the age of 60, a minor illness can get worse quickly. The campaign encourages people with a bad cough, trouble breathing, a cold or sore throat, to visit their local pharmacy for quick health advice. It also asks those caring for or visiting an older friend or relative to get early advice from their local pharmacist or from the NHS website as soon as possible if they are feeling under the weather.

Dr Tarlochan Gill, Kent Local Pharmaceutical Committee said:

KCC News