‘Protect your lungs this winter’ is a campaign to encourage people with lung and breathing problems to reduce their risk of exacerbating their respiratory conditions and avoiding transmittable respiratory infections. We are proud to be featuring patients who attend COPD clinics across the South East, and to promote their top tips for staying well this winter.
Special thanks to all patients and staff of the COPD clinics at Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for sharing their views and agreeing to be filmed. Interviews conducted by Anne Oates, Quality Improvement Lead, NHS England South East.
“In terms of my respiratory condition, I’m always more cautious in winter. A cold for me is not just a cold – actually, it’s quite risky. I try not to restrict myself going out and about, but I do take measures to protect myself, avoiding crowded places or enclosed places with lots of people.” COPD clinic patient
“I think in the winter, it’s even more important that you stay away from coughs and colds. My children never come to see me if they’ve got a cold or a cough because they know I’ll pick it up too easily.” COPD clinic patient
Mini Poll – please tick all boxes that apply
Loading ...4,500+
the average number of extra emergency respiratory hospital admissions we usually expect to see amongst people over the age of 65, in the peak month of January alone across hospitals in the South East of England.
-5,500
In January 2021, we saw 5,500 less emergency admissions across this same group, largely as a result of Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing measures.
#QuitforCovid campaign
#KeepWarmKeepWell campaign
#StrongerforSummer
