UKHSA issues warning for 'eight groups' of people before 42-hour snow storm

The UKHSA has issued cold weather alerts for EIGHT groups of people - starting TONIGHT. The UK Health and Security Agency has issued five yellow cold health alerts, including in West Midlands, for a variety of vulnerable people.

It comes as the UK weather takes a downturn, with the Met Office warning of imminent snowfall - and two separate weather warnings spanning 42 hours. The forecasted weather is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and greater risk to life of vulnerable people.

The UKHSA warned: "Whilst exposure to cold can affect anyone, some people are particularly at risk. These include older people (aged 65 and above), people with cardiovascular (heart and circulation) conditions, people with respiratory conditions (in particular chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and childhood asthma), people with mental health conditions, people with learning and/or physical disabilities, young children (particularly those aged under 5), pregnant women and people on a low income."

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There are many reasons for the increased risk of ill-health in cold weather. These include poor-quality housing and particularly cold homes, the higher frequency of circulating infectious diseases, such as flu and norovirus during the winter months and physical hazards such as snow and ice.

"During cold weather, people may also use malfunctioning or inappropriate appliances to heat their homes. This can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. When a house is damp as well as cold, mould is more likely to occur. This can increase the risk of illness, especially from asthma," it says.

The Cold-health alerting systems core alerting seasons runs from 1 November to 31 March each year. However should an episode of cold occur outside of this core period, an extraordinary alert will be issued. The alerts have taken effect on November 17 ahead of THREE DAYS of snowfall.

As well as the West and East Midlands, other regions impacted include Yorkshire, the North East and North West. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across the United Kingdom into next week, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.

"Cold weather can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, so it can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing health conditions."