Haematology

 

Why keeping warm is important

Cold weather can make you unwell if you have sickle cell disease. It can cause pain (a crisis) and make infections more likely.

Things that can make winter harder

  • Cold homes.
  • More illnesses going around, like colds or flu.
  • Ice and snow that can make walking dangerous.
  • Damp and mould in the home.
  • Faulty heaters, which can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

How to Keep Warm at Home

  • Heat the rooms you use most to at least 18°C.
  • Stop cold air coming in by using draft excluders.
  • Keep windows closed at night.
  • Use extra blankets.
  • Wear several thin layers instead of one thick one.
  • Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves when needed.
  • Drink warm drinks to help your body stay warm.

Looking After Yourself

  • Get your flu vaccine. Talk to your sickle cell nurse or GP.
  • You may also be able to get the COVID vaccine if you are eligible.
  • Treat colds or sore throats early.
  • You can ask a pharmacist, GP, NHS 111, or your sickle cell nurse for advice.
  • In an emergency, call 999.

While indoors:

  • Try not to sit still for more than an hour.

  • If you cannot move around much, stretch your arms and legs.
  • If you have visitors, open a window for a few minutes before and after they arrive to let fresh air in.

When going outside:

  • Wear shoes with good grip to stop you slipping.

  • Check the weather forecast so you can plan ahead.
  • Make sure you have enough food and medication at home in case you cannot go out.

Looking After Your Home

Some changes can help keep your home warm (some may cost money):

  • Service your heating so it works well.

  • Insulate pipes so they don’t freeze.
  • Add insulation to your loft or walls.
  • Use double‑glazed windows if you can.

If you have damp or mould, try to fix the cause. This can help your breathing and reduce sickness.

Make sure your appliances are safe:

  • Gas appliances should be checked by a Gas Safe® engineer.
  • Have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted.
  • Get chimneys and boiler flues checked.

Extra Help Available

Priority Services Register (PSR)

A free service for people who need extra help.
They support you if your gas, electricity, or water stops working.
You can sign up at: www.thepsr.co.uk

Warm Home Discount

You may get £150 off your electricity bill if you qualify.
You don’t need to apply—most people get it automatically.

Cold Weather Payments

If you get certain benefits, you may get £25 when the weather is very cold for 7 days in a row. These payments are automatic.

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before 22 September 1959, you may get £100–£300 to help with heating costs.

Household Support Fund

Your local council may help with:

  • Energy bills
  • Food
  • Other essential costs

You do not need to be on benefits to get help.

 

Feedback

Your feedback is important to us and helps us influence care in the future.

Following your discharge from hospital or attendance at your outpatient appointment you will receive a text asking if you would recommend our service to others. Please take the time to text back, you will not be charged for the text and can opt out at any point. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

Further information

You can find more help and advice at:

  • www.gov.uk

  • The Priority Services Register

  • Winter Fuel Payment website

  • Cold Weather Payment website

  • Warm Home Discount website

  • Your local council website

More information on all of the above schemes and how to keep warm in the winter is available on the Government’s website www.gov.uk

Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather - GOV.UK

The PSR - The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity or gas supply - PSR

Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK

Cold Weather Payment: Overview - GOV.UK

Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK

Get help with the cost of living from your local council - GOV.UK

 

Telephone number: 0151 706 3397

Text phone number:  18001 0151 706 3397  

 

Author: Clinical Haematology

Review date: May 2029

PI 3241 V1