Oxford,
12
November
2019
|
10:51
Europe/London

What is your winter plan to stay healthy?

Help us help you pharmacy
Help us help you pharmacy

Local residents in Oxfordshire are being urged to have a personal winter plan so they are prepared when they start to feel unwell with a cough, cold or flu. Dr Kiren Collison, Clinical Lead at Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: "We’d like everyone in Oxfordshire to have a winter plan for themselves and their family so they know what they need to do to remain healthy.”

Kiren added: “Having a flu vaccination if you are eligible, washing your hands after being out and not missing your normal regular medications can help prevent illness. If you do fall ill, a well-stocked medicine cabinet and advice from your local pharmacist or NHS 111 can help. NHS 111 can now be accessed online via a mobile phone, tablet or laptop to get advice even quicker at NHS.111.UK. 

"Obviously there will be times when people become seriously unwell and seeing a healthcare professional is the right thing to do. But by taking a few simple steps and putting together your winter plan you may help yourself to avoid admission to hospital."

Watch a short video on how your local pharmacist can help treat coughs and colds and stop them getting worse:

Personal winter plans should include:

  • Having a free NHS flu vaccination if you are eligible

  • Getting help early before your condition worsens

  • Getting repeat prescriptions in plenty of time before bank holidays

  • Finding out where your local minor injuries unit is located

  • Seeking advice from your local pharmacist

  • Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet

  • Stocking up on winter food supplies

  • Getting your boiler serviced

  • Keeping your home heated to 18C

  • Having a list of emergency phone numbers handy by your phone• Keeping an eye on elderly or frail friends, neighbours and relatives

You can read the Public Health England leaflet ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ which provides advice on staying well in cold weather and covers issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyle, flu jabs and heating: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keep-warm-keep-well-leaflet-gives-advice-on-staying-healthy-in-cold-weather