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Winter-Proofing Your Lungs: 3 Steps to Stay Well
Key Information
As the days get shorter and colder, it is a crucial time to focus on your COPD. Winter can be challenging because cold weather and chest infections are major triggers for flare-ups.
Follow these three simple steps to "winter-proof" your lungs and stay well.
Step 1: Get Your Vaccinations
This is your best defence against infections that can make you seriously unwell.
- Flu Jab: Essential every year.
- Pneumonia & COVID-19: Make sure you are up to date.
Step 2: Check Your Inhalers
Don’t get caught out by bad weather or pharmacy closures.
- Expiry Date: Check they are still in date.
- Supply: Ensure you have enough for the colder months.
- Why it matters: Being prepared allows you to act quickly at the first sign of a flare-up.
Step 3: Know Your Flare-Up Plan
Review your COPD self-management plan.
- Review: Remind yourself of the warning signs.
- Memorise: Knowing your plan helps you act early and prevent hospital admission.
What Happens Next?
If your COPD is not well controlled, or you do not have an up-to-date plan, please contact us to arrange a review.
Further Information
- Understanding COPD
- COPD Inhalers
- Living Well with COPD: Building Your Toolkit
- Nutrition for COPD
- COPD & Smoking
- Your Annual COPD Review
For more information about COPD, including symptoms, treatment and living with COPD, please visit the NHS website.
Last reviewed: 01 January 2026
Next review due: 01 January 2029
Providing NHS Services
Telephone: 01727 853107