With cooler temperatures, shorter days and the flu and cold season, winter may bring changes to our health. Many of us may find it hard to get enough physical activity. The snow and ice can create hazards that can make walking, playing and working outdoors difficult. Many of us will come down with the flu or catch a cold. Throughout the winter, it is important that we continue to stay active, eat healthy, and take care of our families and ourselves.

Learn about staying healthy and safe this season.

Be Prepared

PreparedBC is British Columbia's one-stop shop for disaster readiness information. For tips on seasonal readiness, how to prepare an emergency plan and what to include in an emergency kit, visit PreparedBC Public emergency preparation and recovery.

• Follow PreparedBC on Facebook
• Follow PreparedBC on Twitter

Emergency Shelters

Emergency shelters provide a temporary place to sleep, eat and wash for anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness. Some shelters may offer additional services such as meals, secure areas for belongings and a resource room with computers, phone or TV. Access to medical support, support staff and individualized help from a caseworker may be available. Find emergency shelter information and resources, including extreme weather shelters here:

• BC Housing, Shelter Map, and
• BC211, Shelter and Street Helpline

Featured Topics

Common Illnesses and Injuries During Winter

Colds and flu, and some conditions and illnesses are more common or are worse during the winter months. To learn more about some of these common conditions, visit Common Illnesses and Injuries During Winter.

Cold Weather

Throughout the winter, temperatures will drop and it may be very cold outside. Learn about cold exposure and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:

• Cold Exposure: Ways the Body Loses Heat
• Cold Exposure: What Increases Your Risk of Injury?
• Cold Temperature Exposure
• Dry Skin and Itching
• Hypothermia and Cold Temperature Exposure

Healthy Living During Winter

Healthy eating and physical activity promotes and supports social, physical, and mental well-being for everyone, at all ages and stages of life. For advice on what you can to live a healthy lifestyle, visit the Healthy Living During Winter page.

When to Visit the Emergency Room

The Emergency Room (ER) in hospitals can be very busy, know when to go by further reading this page: When to Visit the Emergency Room.

Useful Websites

BCCDC: Safer celebrations and ceremonies

With COVID-19 still a concern across the province, here are some things you can consider to help make celebrations safer for everyone.

Fraser Health Authority

For tips to keep you fit, healthy and happy over winter, visit Your healthy winter guide.

Island Health

• For tips to keep you fit, healthy and happy over winter, visit Holiday wellness: Tips to stay safe this season

Vancouver Coastal Health

For ways to prevent falls this winter, see Fall Prevention Tips.

For ways to choose the right place for care, see Holiday Care.

ImmunizeBC

ImmunizeBC works to improve the health of British Columbians and reduce the number of infections by vaccine-preventable diseases. They provide information on immunizations to individuals, families and health care providers. They also provide tools to make it easier for B.C. families to get immunized:

• A Parent’s Guide to Vaccination (PDF 1.72 MB)
• Get immunization reminders by text message!
• ImmunizeBC
• Public Health Unit Finder

Last Reviewed: December 2021