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 some groups.
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 taking your medications.
8. Contact your CF team for advice if you feel unwell or you may be suffering from a respiratory flare-up.
9. Encourage your friends and family to protect you by avoiding getting sick.
This information was adapted from information provided to us by Dr Caroline Elston.
You might also find our blog post about coping with the challenges of the festive period useful. Here, a CF psychologist shares her top tips for navigating the festive season.
Vaccines
Flu
Each year the World Health Organization identifies the most common strains of influenza (flu) going around, which helps scientists develop a vaccine 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 October 2025. 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.
Children and young people
Children with CF are eligible for the flu vaccine from 6 months old until they are 17.

The vaccine is usually given to children as a nasal spray. Some children are not able to have the nasal spray, this may be if they are under 2 years old, or due to certain conditions or allergies. If you have any questions or concerns about which type of vaccine is suitable for your child, speak to your CF team.

Most children will be able to have the vaccine at school. If your child is not yet at school, is home-schooled, or if they miss the vaccine at school due to absence, speak to you GP to book your child for their vaccine.

COVID booster
This autumn and winter, people with CF are not guaranteed to be eligible for the COVID-19 booster. The booster will be available to those who:
- are aged 75 years and older,
- live in a care home for older people,
- and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system.
You may be considered to have a weakened immune system if you have had a transplant, are undergoing chemotherapy, or are taking certain drugs that supress your immune system. If you’re unsure if this applies to you, please speak to your CF team or GP.
There is more information about who has a weakened immune system in chapter 14a of the Green Book.
The NHS will contact those eligible for the booster vaccine or you can book on their website.
There is up to date information about the COVID-19 vaccine 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