Stay well during the festive season

Will the festive season affect my lung condition?

For many people, the winter holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones. However, there are also some things that could impact your lung condition at this time of year.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion this winter like Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, or the New Year, we can help you stay well. Our advice has lots of simple tips to help you manage your lung condition so that you can focus on enjoying your winter festivities.

You’re more likely to catch respiratory infections in the winter. You might socialise more over the festive period too, which can also increase your risk of catching respiratory infections.

Respiratory infections you might catch over the winter months include:

• colds
• flu
• coronavirus (COVID-19)
• bronchiolitis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• chest infections, including pneumonia.

Catching infections like this can make your lung condition symptoms worse. In a recent survey, 3 in 4 people with a lung condition told us that colds and flu make their symptoms worse.

You can lower your risk of getting ill by doing simple things like washing your hands regularly and opening windows in your home where possible. Try to make sure you only meet people in places that are well-ventilated so that viruses don’t build up in the air.

Find out more ways to prevent flu. 

Cold weather can make your lung condition symptoms worse. It can also make you more vulnerable to illnesses. This is why it’s important to stay warm over the winter holidays.

Find out how to look after your lungs this winter.

Indoor air can be polluted with things like dust, dirt, or gases that can be harmful to breathe in.

Over the festive season, you might be exposed to some common forms of indoor air pollution like:

• wood burning stoves
• cleaning products
• central heating
• scented candles.

These can all make the symptoms your lung condition worse.

We have more information about indoor air pollution, including advice about lowering your risk.

You might be around fireworks while you’re celebrating. The smoke and chemicals from fireworks could cause an asthma attack or flare-up of your lung condition.

We have more advice about staying well around fireworks.

Winter celebrations can be exciting and they can also be stressful. You might attend more social gatherings and parties at this time of year. For some people, this means that they smoke more.

Smoking damages every part of your body, including your lungs. This includes passive smoking. If you’re seeing friends or family who smoke or vape, it’s a good idea to ask them not to smoke around you.

If you smoke, remember that stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your lung condition. Stay motivated by using the NHS savings calculator to work out how much money you spend on cigarettes. If you stop smoking, you could put this money towards a treat in the new year.

The festive season can be a busy and stressful time of year. Stress and anxiety can make your lung condition symptoms worse, so it’s important to take time to look after yourself and do things you enjoy.

If you're socialising or going out more than usual, this can be tiring. Try to take days at your own pace and make sure you’re getting plenty of rest. You might find it useful to tell people you’re visiting about your triggers and ways they can help you manage your lung condition. You could also ask them to visit you at home instead. This can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.

There is help available to support you with your mental health. We have a lot of information about caring for your mental health and well-being when you have a lung condition. You can also call our Helpline for advice and support from our team of expert nurses. Please note that it’s closed on bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year. 

If you celebrate Christmas and your lung condition is affected by dust, pollen or mould, you might need to think about the type of Christmas tree you get this year.

Real Christmas trees

Not everyone with a lung condition has a problem with real Christmas trees, but they do affect some people.

Real Christmas trees and other seasonal plants like mistletoe can bring mould spores and pollen into your house. In a warm home, these spores can multiply. If you’re sensitive to mould and pollen, you may notice symptoms similar to hay fever when you get a real tree. Your lung symptoms could get worse too.

If you’re thinking of buying a real tree:

• Shake off your tree and rinse it before bringing it into your house. This will wash off any mould or pollen. Make sure it’s dry before decorating with electric lights.
• Keep your tree in the coolest part of your house. This means mould spores are less likely to multiply.
• Put the tree outside straight away if you notice your lung condition symptoms getting worse.
• Try out an artificial Christmas tree if a real tree is making your symptoms worse.

Artificial Christmas trees

If your lung condition is affected by dust, you may need to be careful when getting your artificial tree out of storage. If your tree has got dusty, try vacuuming it or wiping it down with a damp cloth.

You could use airtight plastic bags or boxes when you pack the tree and decorations away again so they’re less likely to get dusty throughout the year.

Here are a few reminders of things you can do to help keep your lung condition under control before the winter holiday season begins.