Ministers urge public to use their heating to cut deaths

The Cold Weather Plan for England says people should keep their homes warm, with living room temperatures of 21°C (70°F) and bedrooms and the rest of the house heated to 18°C (65°F).

It says temperatures above this “may waste money” but below this “may risk your health”.

If people can’t afford to heat every room, they should heat their living room during the day and bedrooms just before going to bed.

The plan was published by Public Health England (PHE) in collaboration with the Department of Health, NHS England and the Local Government Association.

It said there are “too many avoidable deaths each winter”, with just over 24,000 each year in England and Wales.

The “causes are complex, interlinked with fuel poverty, poor housing and health inequalities, as well as circulating infectious diseases, particularly flu and norovirus, and the extent of snow and ice,” it added.

As part of its advice to the public, the report says people who are eligible for their flu jab should get one, homes should be heated and measures taken to reduce heat waste, such as fitting draught-proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.

It also mentions loft insulation, keeping curtains closed to keep in heat and making sure radiators are not obstructed.

Furthermore, people should look after themselves with plenty of hot food and drinks, five portions a day of fruit and veg, and wearing layers.

Dr Paul Cosford, director for health protection at PHE, said: “In colder weather, keeping yourself warm is essential to staying healthy, especially for the very young, older people or those with a chronic condition.”