With winter just around the corner, it’s essential that we all keep ourselves as warm as we can at home, as living in cold properties can increase the risks of poor health outcomes, exacerbating illnesses like asthma and making us more susceptible to respiratory infections, heart disease and cardiac events, as well as making arthritis symptoms worse and increasing the chances of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
However, with the cost of living crisis rumbling on, no doubt there are many of us now making the choice not to put the heating on in a bid to save money, particularly now that the government has taken steps to axe the winter fuel allowance, a move that will affect millions of pensioners.
This means that people are now looking for alternative ways to stay warm and using hot water bottles has long been an effective means of doing so – but, again, it’s essential that you take care while using these products, as new research has just revealed a winter hot water bottle incident increase of 43.4 per cent between 2021 and 2022, in line with increases in fuel poverty and fuel costs.
Carried out by a team of researchers from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, and Southmead Hospital in Bristol, the study found that between 2014 and 2023, there were almost 6,000 reported hot water bottle burn cases in England and Wales, with the biggest rise in cases seen among pensioners at 69 per cent.
Published in the Burns science journal, the research paper concluded: “Our epidemiological study on hot water bottle-related burn injuries within the UK has shown that the dramatic rise in fuel prices, which triggered the fuel poverty crises, has coincided with a 43.4 per cent increase in hot water bottle burns incidence on the health service in one year alone.
“This alarming rise highlights the continued need for targeted public awareness campaigns to ensure a safe and proper use of these devices.”
How to use hot water bottles safely
As cosy as hot water bottles most certainly are, using them safely is paramount. If they’re not used correctly or are too old, they can crack and leak, potentially leading to severe burns and other such injuries.
The typical lifespan of a hot water bottle is around two years, so consider replacing yours if you know it’s past this point. Also take a look at it and see if the rubber is starting to erode, as this is a sure sign that you need a new one.
When filling up your bottle, use hot water but don’t bring it to the boil. Only fill it three-quarters of the way up to reduce the risk of it bursting and squeeze the air out before you seal it to help prevent injuries. Make sure the bung is properly secured and consider wrapping it in a towel or cloth so it’s not making direct contact with your skin.
If your hands aren’t strong enough to tighten the bung, you can always ask your private nurse to help you. And if you or someone close to you has suffered scalding because of a hot water bottle, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention.
