Cold weather: simple steps to stay healthy, keep meds safe, and protect your skin

Cold weather isn’t just uncomfortable — it can trigger coughing, sore joints, dry skin, and make medications behave differently. Here are straightforward, useful actions you can take today to lower problems and stay active through the season.

Protect your lungs and breathing

Cold, dry air tightens airways for many people. If you have asthma or COPD, you might notice more coughing or shortness of breath when it's chilly. Try breathing through a scarf or mask on cold days — warming and humidifying the air helps. Use your preventer inhaler as prescribed, even when you feel fine. If you rely on a rescue inhaler like Ventolin, keep an eye on how often you use it; frequent use means your control isn’t good and you should talk to your provider. Our guides on Ventolin and Symbicort alternatives can help you compare options if your current plan isn’t working well.

Humidifiers in living areas cut dryness that irritates airways and skin. Aim for comfortable humidity — too high brings mold, too low dries you out. A quick rule: 30–50% is usually good. Also, wash your hands often and avoid close contact with people who have colds or flu — viral infections flare up in winter and hit breathing conditions hardest.

Store and manage medications properly

Cold temperatures and freezing can change how some meds work. Don’t leave medicines in a car overnight or on a cold porch. Most pills are fine at room temperature, but liquids, insulin, and some inhalers can be damaged by freezing. Keep prescriptions inside at normal room temperature and follow storage advice on the label. If you order meds online, use reputable sources and check storage instructions during shipping — our articles on safe online pharmacies and where to buy specific meds cover what to look for.

Refill early. Weather delays and pharmacy shortages happen in winter. Set reminders to reorder chronic meds a week or two sooner than usual. If travel or bad weather could isolate you, ask your provider about extra supplies or emergency plans.

Skin and simple comfort tips: cold dries your skin fast. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer right after showering and consider richer creams for hands and feet. Dress in layers, protect exposed skin on windy days, and wear socks that wick moisture to avoid cold sores or cracked skin. For digestion or general wellness, simple fiber and hydration help — little changes like adding psyllium or healthy oils can ease winter sluggishness.

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean setback. Small, specific moves — cover your mouth outside, keep a humidifier running, store meds correctly, and refill early — make a big difference. If breathing problems, medication questions, or severe skin issues come up, contact your healthcare provider.