Cold weather can cause people to become unwell in various ways:

  • direct cold exposure can result in death or severe illness due to hypothermia, although deaths where hypothermia is the primary cause are rare
  • exposure to cold can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the body, in turn increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes
  • cold exposure can also increase susceptibility to chest infections, worsen breathing problems and increase the risk of falls
  • longer term effects include an increased risk of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety

Many people with care needs have underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk from cold.

Cases of carbon monoxide poisoning among those living at home increase during the winter months. This is because people are more likely to use cooking or heating systems at home that worsen indoor air quality and are less likely to be able to ventilate their homes as they would during warmer weather.

Who is at risk?

Many people who use adult social care services are vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. Those at risk include:

  • older people (aged 65 years and over)
  • people with cardiovascular (heart and circulation) conditions
  • people with respiratory conditions (in particular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and childhood asthma)
  • people with mental health conditions
  • people with learning and/or physical disabilities
  • young children (particularly those aged under 5 years)
  • pregnant women
  • people on a low income