Making healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of getting sick and help your mind and body to function as well as possible in everyday life.

Tips for healthy living include:

  • Healthy Eating – Eating nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables can help keep your immune system strong. It is also important to keep hydrated in winter, so ensure you drink plenty of water.
  • Be active – Being active for 30 minutes every day can help you feel more energetic and healthier.
  • Good Sleep – A good night’s sleep is essential for your health and wellbeing. Lack of sleep can have a serious effect on your immune system, making you more vulnerable to catching colds.
  • Get a Health Check – It’s a good idea to see your doctor for a regular health check even if you are currently feeling fit and healthy. Regular health checks and screening tests can help you to stay healthy by finding health problems at an early stage and help to prevent and detect serious illness.

Reduce your risk of illness

Winter can bring increased risks of illness, so here are some tips for keeping healthy this winter:

  • Wash, Wipe, Cover – In winter, colds, flu and gastroenteritis can cause disruption to your home, social and work life. Many of these common infectious diseases are spread by germs on our hands. Reduce your risk of getting sick or passing infections on to others by washing your hands, wiping down frequently touched surfaces, and covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
  • Flu vaccination – Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious infection that is more serious than the common cold. Annual vaccination against seasonal flu can reduce your chances of getting the flu and can also reduce the severity of flu symptoms if you do catch the flu. Speak to your GP or immunisation provider about getting a flu vaccination this winter.
  • COVID-19 vaccination – Keeping up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community against COVID-19.
  • Get a plan – The cold weather in winter can worsen pre-existing chronic illnesses such as asthma and diabetes. Asthmatics and diabetics should review their illness management plans or speak to their GPs if they do not have one in place.

If you do need to access additional care from a pharmacy, GP, allied health or virtual care service, find more information on your best health care option.