Save up to 20% off winter vaccinations! Terms apply. Find out more.
Find us on Trustpilot
Explore our range
Keep Well with our winter vaccinations
Explore all services
Stay Well this winter
Winter brings colder temperatures, shorter days and an increase in seasonal bugs, which is why it's extra important to take care of your health.
Here at Well we've got everything you need to support your winter health - from immunity-building products to help you prepare for the colder months, to cough, cold & flu medicine for when you're in the thick of it.
We've also got pharmacies all over the UK, so you can find one near you and pop in for a chat if you need some health advice this winter.
Top winter health tips
- Consider a flu jab - this is one of the most effective ways to prevent yourself from getting ill over winter, and they're available to book online now
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water - this helps prevent the spread of germs
- Support your immune system - taking multivitamins or any necessary supplements can help build your immunity over winter
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet - although the dark evenings can make us crave comfort food, prioritising nutrition helps support your immune system and maintain energy levels
- Get enough sleep - it's important that you get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night so that your body has time to rest and recover
- Stay hydrated - although it might feel like the season for hot drinks, it's still important to try and drink plenty of water to help regulate body temperature, aid digestion and flush out toxins
- Stay warm - ensure that you're dressing appropriately for cold weather, and keeping warm when you're indoors
- Stock up on cold and flu medicines - keep your cupboards stocked so that if any nasty winter bugs do come your way, you're already prepared and can nip it in the bud
Stock up this winter
More services to support your winter health
Selected pharmacies only
Ear Checks & Wax Removal
Colder temperatures can lead to sinus congestion, including in the ears.
Our FREE Ear Check service can determine what's causing the issue (for example, hardened earwax or common cold symptoms), and our pharmacists will then advise you on the recommended next steps.
If a build-up of earwax is causing the issue, we can remove this for you then and there for £50.
Blood Pressure Checks
It's not uncommon for your blood pressure to rise naturally over winter, for a number of reasons. You typically experience weaker blood circulation due to the cold temperatures, and most of us tend to fall into unhealthy routines when it comes to diet and exercise in winter.
If you haven't had your blood pressure checked recently, then you can book into one at your local Well Pharmacy to get peace of mind on your blood and heart health.
Pharmacy First
Our Pharmacy First service means that if you're in England, you can skip the GP queues and pop into your local Well Pharmacy instead, where one of our GPhC-registered pharmacists can offer support.
Pharmacy First currently covers diagnosis and treatment for common conditions such as sore throats, shingles, infected insect bites and UTIs.
Get your dose of Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps support healthy bones, muscles and immune function. In the UK, it's more difficult to get enough Vitamin D through sunlight in autumn and winter, because there are fewer daylight hours and the sunrays are less intense.
Lack of Vitamin D can sometimes lead to a deficiency which can cause softened, weakened bones, and potentially lead to bone pain or osteomalacia in adults.
Aside from sunlight, there are other ways our bodies can absorb Vitamin D, such as through various foods (usually red meat, oily fish, egg yolks and liver), and through supplements. Here at Well, we offer a range of Vitamin D supplements which you can take during the winter months to support your immunity. These supplements may not be suitable for everyone, as this can depend on specific health conditions, other medications/supplements you're taking, and whether or not you could be pregnant, so we recommend checking with your pharmacist before you start taking Vitamin D.
Winter Health FAQs
Our expert pharmacists have answered your questions on how to stay well during the colder months. Read on to learn how to make the most out of shorter days and avoid seasonal bugs.
There are vaccines for illnesses like flu and Covid-19, which can have more serious complications in the winter. If you want the best chance of avoiding catching the flu or Covid-19, book a vaccine at one of our pharmacies today.
The flu and Covid-19 vaccines aren’t suitable for everyone, so you’ll need to answer a few questions to make sure it’s right for you.
There's no way to avoid seasonal illnesses completely, but ensuring you receive any recommended vaccinations along with a healthy, balanced diet and making sure your body is getting enough vitamins and nutrients (whether through food or supplements) can help boost your immunity so that you fight off illnesses more effectively, with less severe symptoms.
You can lower your chances of catching or spreading contagious illnesses by making sure you practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, catch any sneezes in a tissue and throw the tissues away.
If you’re around someone who’s unwell, try not to share household items like towels, cups and water bottles with them.
If you’re unwell with a bug, stay at home until you’re feeling better where possible.
You can buy medicines for cold and flu from a pharmacist. Painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol can help ease pain and bring down inflammation. Decongestants can help clear your sinuses so you can breathe easier.
If you have a sore throat or cough, you can try cough medicine, lozenges or gargling salt water. Explore our full range
It’s also important to make sure you drink lots of water and get lots of rest until you feel better.
Keep rooms that you use regularly heated to at least 18°C and check the weather forecast before you go out so you can wear the right clothing and footwear. If you only need to heat a small area, space heaters may be cheaper than turning on the heating.
Make sure you wear several thinner layers rather than one thick one, including at bedtime. If you need extra warmth, an electric blanket can keep you cosy for less.
Try to eat at least one hot meal a day to help keep you warm and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Fruit and vegetables have lots of minerals and vitamins that help keep you healthy. If you’re struggling to get all the vitamins you need from a healthy diet, try our range of vitamin supplements.
If you’re worried you have a vitamin deficiency, talk to your GP or pharmacist for advice.
Some people find their mood is lower in the winter months. This may in part be because there is less light during the day.
If your mood is very low or it’s making it hard to manage daily life, talk to your GP. Some people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that affects people mainly during certain times of the year.
You can use a SAD lamp to get more light during the day, which may help boost your mood. Many people get the best results from sitting in front of it for thirty minutes to an hour each morning. You should also try to talk to family and friends, eat well and get some regular exercise.
Many pharmacies are shut over the festive period, so it’s important to order any prescriptions you need at least 7-10 days before you run out.
If you’re avoiding bad weather or you’re stuck at home with a bug, you can sign up for our free prescription delivery service. Just order your medicines online or through our app and we’ll deliver straight to your door.
SIDE BAR