Hot off the Helpline: November edition

Top questions on the helpline this month

Why aren’t I eligible for my covid vaccine?

We’re getting a lot of calls from people asking about their eligibility for the covid vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is offered to people who would benefit most protect them ahead of winter. This year the data is showing that most people have good a good immunity to COVID-19 and do not need vaccination this year. This is good news but we are urging the JCVI (who make the decisions about vaccination) to keep a very close eye on the data. COVID-19 is more serious in older people and in people who are immunosuppressed. So, people aged 75 years and over, those in older adult care homes, and people who are immunosuppressed and aged over 6 months are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine this year.

How can I get in touch with my GP?

We often hear from people struggling to get a GP appointment 

There is an unprecedented demand on GP practices with increased patient list sizes, an ageing population, and more complex health needs.  As well, the number of consultations per patient has increased, meaning GPs and their teams are working harder than ever to look after their patients. 

Remember that your GP surgery is there to help you. We know it can be frustrating trying to get an appointment so here’s some advice for getting in touch with your GP.

What benefits am I entitled to when living with a lung condition?

As we head further into winter, we’re getting more calls from people seeking financial support.

As the weather gets colder there’s more demand for benefits like the Cold Weather Payment and the Winter Fuel Payment. Many of these benefits are paid automatically if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you do have any doubts about your eligibility for the Winter Fuel payment after the changes announced in May 2025, please feel free to call our friendly helpline team who can advise. We have information about who's eligible on our website too. You can also find out about other support you could get with everyday costs like prescriptions, heating, food, and transport.

Why is my asthma worse at the moment?

An increasing number of people are calling in trying to understand why their asthma symptoms are getting worse at the moment. The colder months bring lots of potential triggers for people with asthma. Cold air can cause your airways to narrow, irritate your airways and make symptoms like wheezing, coughing and breathlessness worse. With cooler temperatures we often spend more time indoors. This helps spread seasonal bugs like colds and flu, which lots of people find trigger their asthma symptoms.

Cold weather can be dangerous for people with lung conditions, especially for people aged 65 or older. It can weaken the immune system, increase blood pressure, thicken the blood and lower body temperature, increasing the risk of chest infections.

There are other triggers at this time of year that could affect your lung condition. Cold, wet weather creates the ideal environment for damp and mould to thrive indoors. Breathing in mould can trigger your lung condition symptoms and put you at risk of an asthma attack or flare-up.  Some people may also be unable to afford to heat their homes adequately due to the rising cost of living, which could worsen mould in their home.  

Bonfires and fireworks are a big part of winter celebrations like Diwali, Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve. But breathing in smoke and pollutants from the fires and fireworks could make your lung condition symptoms worse. Find out how to stay well around fireworks and bonfires.

You can get free tailored health advice straight to your inbox. Just take a short quiz and we'll send you personalised advice to keep you well with your lung condition over winter.

Dates for your diary

World Pneumonia Day – 12 November 

World Pneumonia Day is a global initiative to raise awareness about pneumonia, a preventable and treatable disease that remains a leading cause of death in children under five and a significant health concern for adults. 

National Self-Care Week - 17- 23 November 2025

Self-Care Week is an annual national awareness week that focuses on embedding support for self-care across communities, families and generations. 

Carers Rights Day - 20 November 2025

An annual awareness day that aims to inform unpaid carers in the UK about their rights and the support they are entitled to. Organisations like Carers UK and Carers Trust use the day to raise awareness of carers' needs and to help them find help, information, and support. Many carers are unaware of the entitlements and services available to them. We have lots of advice on caring for someone with a lung condition and our friendly helpline team are here for you too.

Support group spotlight

Lift Your Lungs Choir 

Have you been to our Motivational Mondays group, or do you attend a Singing for Lung Health group in the community?

Asthma and Lung UK’s Lift Your Lungs is a new online choir for people living with lung health conditions.  It is an opportunity for people living with lung health conditions to come together and enjoy singing in an accessible and supportive online space.

Helen Hayes will teach carefully selected songs in a variety of styles, giving you the chance to experience your joy of singing in a way that takes into account the limitations that people living with lung health conditions can sometimes experience. Everything will be taught by ear, resources will be provided and it’s going to be lots of fun!

These sessions run fortnightly on a Wednesday. 

Fancy hosting a Big Christmas Singalong?

At Asthma + Lung UK we’re already thinking about the festive period. We’re asking you to warm up your vocals and get ready to sing your heart out for people with lung conditions.

Sign up today to hold a Big Christmas Singalong fundraiser this festive season, and have some fun with your friends, family and work colleagues while raising money for Asthma + Lung UK.

By taking part, you'll help to power our life-saving helpline and health advice - all while enjoying a fun, festive event at home, school, work or your local community centre, from a casual Christmas karaoke night to a full-blown Carol Service with your school. Grab your microphones, and let's make a difference together!

Thank you for reading this month’s blog. Stay tuned for next month’s edition.