HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Winter wellness
Hauora ā-hōtoke
Winter does not only bring colder temperatures. It also brings an increase in coughs, colds, sore throats, tonsillitis, flu and ear infections.
Cold weather can also cause serious health problems. Especially if you are older than 65, have a long-term (chronic) health condition or are disabled. Or if you live in cold, damp or over-crowded housing.
You can help to keep yourself and your whānau (family) well this winter. Read about common winter illnesses and learn what you can do to avoid or treat them.
Coughs and colds
Find out about what causes colds and how to manage the symptoms. You can also read about acute sinusitis.
Coughs are common in children, and more common during winter. Most coughs are not anything to worry about. But any cough that lasts more than 4 weeks or happens with other problems (like a fever or difficulty breathing) need to be checked out by a health professional.
Croup is a viral illness that causes inflammation in a child's windpipe. It can cause a cough that often sounds like barking.
Whooping cough (pertussis) is very serious in tamariki (children) under 2 years, and in particular in pēpi (babies) under 3 months old.
Bronchiolitis is a chest condition that affects breathing in pēpi. It is caused by a virus that is very contagious and is more common during winter and spring.
Acute bronchitis is a chest infection that is usually caused by a virus and follows a cold or flu. It usually gets better on its own, within 1 to 3 weeks. It can sometimes lead to pneumonia, which can be more serious.
Most winter infections and illnesses do not need to be treated with antibiotics as antibiotics do not work against viruses.
Flu (influenza)
Influenza (usually called the flu) is very different to a cold, but people often confuse these 2 conditions. Both are caused by viruses. But if you have the flu, you become much more unwell. It is especially risky for older people, tamariki, pregnant women and those with long-term health problems. Even younger healthy people can become seriously unwell with the flu. You can reduce your chance of getting the flu by getting a flu vaccination.
Fingers and toes
Cold weather can affect people's arms, legs, fingers and toes. It can cause chilblains and a disorder called Raynaud syndrome. Raynaud syndrome makes your fingers and toes change colour and become painful.
What you can do to stay well this winter
There are several things you can do to help keep yourself and your whānau well during the colder months.
- Keep warm both indoors and outdoors. Read tips about keeping your home warm and dry, including information on what financial help you might be able to get.
- Practise good hygiene to avoid picking up and passing on the bugs that cause winter illnesses. Make sure you know how to wash your hands properly and how to cover your coughing and sneezing.
- Get the flu vaccination for you and your whānau. It makes it much less likely that you will catch the flu or become very sick if you do catch it.
- Eat well and keep active to maintain your overall health.
If you live alone and become unwell over winter, do not be afraid to ask your neighbours for help.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2025.
SourcesReview key: HIWIN-93622
