But even the mildest cold weather (8°C to 15°C) can affect some people’s health - and severe cold weather can create challenges for all of us.
The good news is there are many things we can do to thrive in winter.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office Cold Health Alert system operates between 1 November and 31 March. There are currently no cold alerts in force covering Kent. See the alerts dashboard for the latest.
“If you can, please keep looking out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours”
KCC Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “Being prepared, keeping informed and following commonsense advice are the keys to staying safe and well when temperatures fall.
"If you can, keep looking out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours and make sure you and your loved ones have any vaccinations you are eligible for, like flu.
"Viruses spread more easily in the winter when we spend more time mixing indoors and vaccination protects those most at risk of serious illness. Find out all you need to know about vaccinations from NHS Kent and Medway's trusted website www.getvaccinatednow."
“KCC Libraries are also part of the national warm spaces network and offer safe, free, and welcoming places to go for warmth and to meet others”
Diane Morton (RMN*), Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “Winter can be a tough time for some - particularly older, frail residents living alone. If you can, please look out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours and, if you are struggling with the cost of living, please visit our website kent.gov.uk for Cost of Living support.
"KCC Libraries are also part of the national Warm Spaces Network and offer safe, free, and welcoming places to go for warmth and to meet others. Use the Warm Welcome map at warmwelcome.uk to find the nearest warm space near you.”
“If you need NHS help, contact NHS 111 online or via phone. Find your nearest urgent treatment centre and check opening times of your local pharmacy at www.StopThinkChoose.co.uk”
Kate Langford, NHS Kent and Medway's CMO, said: “Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
"People who are vulnerable, including the elderly, those with breathing difficulties, and children under five, are particularly at risk during cold weather. Please check in on vulnerable family members, friends or neighbours during prolonged periods of cold weather.
"If you need NHS help, contact NHS 111 online or via phone. Find your nearest urgent treatment centre and check opening times of your local pharmacy at www.StopThinkChoose.co.uk."
Stay informed
Know when to get out the extra blankets and put on the kettle by keeping up to date with the weather forecast.
Follow UKHSA on Facebook and X - Twitter and the Met Office on Facebook and X - Twitter.
Sign up to receive cold health alerts to help you prepare for chilly snaps. Read more about the alerts; sign up.
Look out for local advice from us on our Facebook and X - Twitter.
Vaccinations
Vaccines are our best defence against lots of illnesses that can cause serious or life-threatening illness for some, including pregnant women and the very young.
This includes bugs like flu that spread more easily in winter because we spend more time with others indoors.
Check if you are eligible for a flu vaccination and how to book an appointment
If you are aged 75 or over, have a weakened immune system or live in an older adult care home you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. If you’re eligible, visit www.getvaccinatednow.co.uk to book your COVID vaccination.
Be a winter friend
Some people are more at risk than others during and also after a cold snap because the impacts on our health can be delayed.
Vulnerable groups include older people – particularly if they live alone - babies, pregnant mums and people with long-term conditions.
If you can, please make time to check in on your vulnerable family, friend and neighbours.
The NHS has useful advice on how to help people who are socially isolated.
Keep warm
Health experts recommend rooms are heated to at least 18°C if you can and we wear several layers rather than one jumper to help trap in heat.
For more advice on staying warm at home visit our ‘Keep warm this winter' page.
There are over 4,000 warm spaces across the UK, including our Kent Libraries. Warm spaces offer a safe, free, and welcoming place to go for warmth, company and, in some cases, refreshment like a hot cuppa.
Use the Warm Welcome map to find the nearest warm space near you: www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space#map.
Healthy choices
Want to keep winter bugs at bay?
Keep eating healthily and moving. If you're a smoker or a drinker, you could look to cut down or quit. As well as improving your mental wellbeing and saving you money, it will boost your immune system and help you fight off illness.
Taking the first step is easier than you think with the right help. Visit One You Kent.
Feeling unwell?
It usually takes several days, or even a couple of weeks, after a cold snap for the health impacts to show. It’s why we often see a rise in serious illnesses, like heart attacks and strokes, following cold weather, not during.
Air quality can be worse in winter because cold, drier air traps pollution. Suffer from asthma? Sign up to receive Kent Air Alerts to know when to avoid outdoor exercise and carry your inhaler. Learn more at Kent and Medway's Safer asthma page.
It's important to contact the NHS about any health concerns you have. Help the ease the pressure on the NHS by choosing right service. Visit, Stop, Think, Choose to get the right treatment when you need it.
In an emergency, always call 999.
* Registered Mental Health Nurse
