VULNERABLE people with heart conditions in Worcestershire are being urged to take extra care this winter, starting with a free flu jab.

Cold weather can lead to serious health conditions and even kill, especially if you have a chronic heart condition, such as heart failure or congenital heart disease

The NHS in the West Midlands is making people aware of things they can do to stay healthy this winter.

Almost 2.7 million people are living with heart disease in the UK and evidence suggests that heart attacks happen more often during or immediately after an acute inflammatory illness, such as flu - responsible for around 8,000 deaths a year.

Dr Kiran Patel, Medical Director, NHS England (West Midlands) said: “Cold weather can be bad for your health, but there are some easy things you can do to stay healthy if you have a heart condition.

"The most important thing is to make sure you have your free the flu jab to help protect you against flu.

“It is also important to heat your home to at least 18C (65F) and keep windows closed on a winter’s night.

“Keep a supply of cold and flu remedies in the house so you don’t need to go out if the weather is bad.

"If you start to feel ill, get help from your pharmacy straight away before symptoms gets worse. This will help you recover much quicker.

“If you’re prescribed antibiotics, make sure you finish the course even if you feel better, unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise.

"If you stop taking an antibiotic part way through a course, the bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotic.”

Other tips include eating more fruit and veg and taking part in exercise which can boost the immune system.

Further advice is available via NHS111, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information about staying well this winter, visit www.nhs.uk/staywell