Winter changes our routines: more time indoors, less daylight and more opportunities for respiratory infections to spread. A little preparation can make everyday care easier, especially when work or family commitments are busy.
These five habits focus on practical prevention and planning. They cannot guarantee that you will avoid illness, but they give you useful topics to discuss with your healthcare team.
1. Check your vaccination advice
Ask your GP or pharmacist which vaccinations are recommended for your age, health and circumstances, and whether any are due. Influenza vaccines are updated regularly, while COVID-19 and RSV advice depends on individual eligibility. Current information is available through the Australian Government’s winter vaccination guidance. Confirm timing and costs with your provider.
2. Make hygiene easy to practise
Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and put used tissues in the bin. Keep soap and tissues where your household will use them. If you are unwell, avoid sharing cups and utensils. Healthdirect’s influenza information explains steps that can reduce spread.
3. Think about the air indoors
When conditions are suitable, bringing fresh air inside can improve ventilation. Consider comfort, outdoor air quality and safety when opening windows or doors. The Australian Government’s indoor-air guide explains practical ways to improve air quality during winter.
4. Give yourself room to recover
If you have influenza, stay home and avoid close contact while unwell. Rest and fluids are part of caring for mild symptoms. If you are at higher risk of complications or symptoms are concerning, contact a healthcare professional promptly; some treatments are time-sensitive. See Healthdirect’s advice on flu care.
Before illness arrives, consider who could help with shopping, caring responsibilities or a change to your work plans.
5. Keep your care information handy
Have your usual clinic details, a current medicines list and any existing care plan easy to find. Ask in advance what to do if a long-term condition becomes harder to manage during an infection. For urgent symptoms, use urgent care rather than waiting for an ordinary website enquiry to be answered.
Our nurse practitioner service is one of the services available at Epping Medical & Wellness Hub. Contact reception to ask which appointment is appropriate and what services are currently available.
