Charities are raising the alarm about the detrimental effects of the cold snap on the most vulnerable segments of society, as the Met Office declares the UK is getting “the first taste of winter”. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the season’s initial amber cold weather health alert this week.
Alongside Age UK, they have cautioned that the chilly conditions could pose a threat to at-risk individuals, including the elderly. The amber alert spans the east and north of England, the Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber, while yellow alerts are set for the South East, South West, and London starting at 8am on Tuesday and continuing until 6pm on Saturday.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, said: “This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”
Age UK’s director Caroline Abrahams expressed deep concern as the discontinuation of the Winter Fuel Payment has led numerous elderly individuals to become “extra fearful” about activating their heating amidst the cold season. “With high energy bills and food prices it is understandable that some may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, especially if they are already trying to manage existing illnesses,” she said.
“The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk, and impact, of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.”
Abrahams emphasised the necessity for the elderly to keep themselves “fit, warm and well if they can”, suggesting they frequently consume hot meals and drinks, stay bundled up, and sleep with windows shut. A yellow snow and ice warning persists until 10am Tuesday, primarily for Northern Ireland.
Another yellow alert has been issued until 10am Wednesday for parts of Scotland, while a third extends till 11am Tuesday for regions in the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and northern England. Within these areas, there could be risks of power outages, transport disruptions, and injuries due to icy conditions.
The Alzheimer’s Society has issued a warning that the cold weather can be “particularly challenging” for those living with dementia. The charity stated: “Colder temperatures can be difficult for a person with dementia to adjust to, and they may not always be able to communicate that they are cold – or they may not even recognise it themselves.”
They urged the public to check on loved ones, friends and neighbours who have the condition.
Asthma + Lung UK, another charity, also advised those with lung conditions to exercise “extra caution”. They warned that cold weather could trigger potentially fatal asthma attacks or “flare-ups” in people with other lung conditions.
Erika Radford, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Your risk of ending up in AandE doubles in winter if you have a lung condition.”
She added: “We’re here to help you to stay well, however, everyday people with lung conditions are needlessly suffering and without urgent action more lives will be put at risk.”