Cold weather

Staying well over winter

As the weather gets colder and wetter, people with cystic fibrosis may need to take extra care to look after their health.

Autumn and winter can be a challenging time, especially for people with cystic fibrosis and their families. The colder months can bring health risks and added financial stress, but with good preparation it’s possible to ease some of those worries and reduce risks to health. We understand how tough it can be, so we’ve put together helpful tips to protect your health, manage some of the additional financial stressors of the season, and stay on top of important vaccinations.

Staying well
As the clocks go back and the long nights draw in, it’s common to suffer from viral respiratory infections, like colds and flu.
With people spending more time indoors and closer together due to wetter and colder weather and dark evenings, respiratory infections find it easier to spread between people.
1. Book your free flu jab, or nasal spray for those aged 2 to 17, which is available on the NHS to everyone with CF.
2. Have your COVID-19 booster which is also available to everyone over 6 months old with CF.
3. Many respiratory viruses are spread by contact with surfaces and through coughing and sneezing. Remember hands, face, space: wash your hands, cover your face, and maintain space between yourself and others.
4. Avoid crowded places as much as possible.
5. If you’re in a small or crowded room, make sure windows and doors are open to allow for plenty of ventilation.
6. Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
7. Take extra special care of your CF – this might include staying on top of your physiotherapy, eating well, and adhering to medications.
8. Contact your CF team for advice if you feel unwell or you may be suffering from a respiratory exacerbation.
9. Encourage your friends and family to protect you by protecting themselves.
This information was adapted from information provided to us by Dr Caroline Elston.
Vaccines
Flu
Each year the World Health Organization identifies the most common strains of influenza (flu) circulating, which enables a vaccine to be developed before the start of the flu season. Learn more about why the flu vaccine is important.
Who is eligible?
As someone with cystic fibrosis, you are eligible for the free flu vaccine. You will also be eligible if you care for someone with cystic fibrosis and receive Carers Allowance.
How to get the flu vaccine
Most people will be eligible for the vaccine from 3 October 2024. You can have the vaccine at your local GP surgery or from a pharmacy that offers a walk-in service.
More information about the flu vaccine is available on the NHS website. If you are eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, you may be able to get them done at the same time.
If you are not eligible for a free flu jab but would like to get one because you live with someone with CF, you can pay to get it. It is usually between £10 and £20 and is available from pharmacies, some supermarkets, Superdrug or Boots.

COVID booster
This autumn, people with CF over the age of 6 months will be eligible for the COVID-19 booster. Along with:
- residents in a care home for older adults
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant people – this includes people with CF.
- frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults
How to get the COVID-19 booster
Like with the flu vaccine, you can get this from your local GP or a participating pharmacy, there are also a number of walk-in COVID-19 vaccination centres.
If you are eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, you may be able to get them done at the same time.
More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available on the NHS website.
Finances
Each year our Welfare team pull together helpful information about:
- the changes in benefit payment dates,
- seasonal information that may help you to plan your budget, and
- how the Trust can help through financial grants and our Helpline.
There is also lots of relevant information on our cost of living page.
Check out our winter financial advice