Is it just a chill? The winter health symptoms you cannot ignore
People with certain conditions may be at a higher risk of burns from sitting too close to the heater, or curling up with a wheat pack, according to vascular surgeon Dr Adrian Ling. Picture by Melissa Adams,. . .
People with certain conditions may be at a higher risk of burns from sitting too close to the heater, or curling up with a wheat pack, according to vascular surgeon Dr Adrian Ling. Picture by Melissa Adams, inset suppliedNothing breaks the bitingiciness of winterlike curling up in front of the heater, but experts are warning that winter can pose more of arisk to your healththan just catching a chill. Create afree accountto read this articleor signup to continue readingAs you age, your physiological reserve - your ability to fight off illness - declines and you have a higher risk of becoming seriously unwell, said Dr Anthony Marinucci, aged care chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). "In an older person, a winter virus can become much more than just a cough or cold," he said. Serious illnesses may come with symptoms that are harder to recognise than the telltale high fever or cough, Marinucci said. Symptoms of serious illness can include confusion, drowsiness, reduced appetite or thirst, or even an unexpected fall. "If someone is suddenly not quite themselves, that is a symptom worth taking seriously," he said. Common winter illnesses and how to stay safeStaying up-to-date with your vcaccinations is the best protection against RSV, influenza and COVID-19. Picture by The Canberra TimesFamiliar illnesses, likeinfluenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)andpneumoniastill make many older people sick each winter, Marinucci said. Getting achest infectionin winter can also lead to more serious conditions, includingCOPD, asthmaorheart failure, he said. The best way to guard against an unwelcome winter illness is to seek advice as soon as you begin to feel unwell or develop symptoms. Older people should also stay up-to-date with vaccinations, including yearly flu shots, COVID-19 jabs, and the new RSV vaccine for people over 75. COVID-19 and influenza viruses continue to mutate which is why it's important to stay up to date with your vaccines. COVID-19 vaccinations are available for free at pharmacies, and flu shots are free for people over 65 with a Medicare card and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. RSV vaccines are free for all people over 75 with a Medicare card, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Winter health hazards to be aware ofInfluenza- The common flu killed 1745 people in 2025. Your best protection is to keep up with your flu jabs. COVID-19- While many of us now spend less time worrying about this virus since the pandemic, the virus continues to pose a major risk to older people,killing 2180 people in 2025. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) -This contagious virus poses a risk to older people. Free vaccines are availabel for everyone over 75. Chest infections- in older people, a chest infection can lead to more serious conditions like COPD, asthma, or heart failure. Burns from heaters and heat pads- People with vascular conditions are at heightened risk, and may not notice their skin is being burned. Carbon monoxide poisoning- Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas emitted from wood and gas heaters, and can kill in minutes. Read more on how to stay safeCLICK HERETwice weeklyThe Senior newslettersStay in the know on news that matters to you with twice weekly newsletters from The Senior.