Protect yourself from winter illnesses

This post details information from the NHS Stay well campaign on how to protect yourself from winter illnesses. The post tells you how to prevent and manage five common winter illnesses and conditions.

Colds

You can help prevent colds by washing your hands regularly. This destroys germs that you may have picked up from touching surfaces used by other people, such as light switches and door handles. The poster below shows you the NHS hand washing technique – did you know that it should take you as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice to wash your hands. It’s also important to keep the house and any household items such as cups, glasses and towels clean, especially if someone in your house is ill. The NHS choices website recommends that if you get a cold, use disposable tissues instead of fabric handkerchiefs to avoid constantly reinfecting your own hands.

Sore throats

Sore throats are common in winter and are almost always caused by viral infections. There’s some evidence that changes in temperature, such as going from a warm, centrally heated room to the icy outdoors, can also affect the throat.

Our pharmacies stock a range of medicines to soothe a sore throat. Please speak to one of our pharmacists for further advice.

Asthma

Cold air is a major trigger of asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. People with asthma should be especially careful in winter. Asthma can also be triggered by respiratory infections.

If you have asthma you may be able to have a free NHS flu vaccine in our of our pharmacies. Please call into one of our branches for further advice. We recommend that you have your inhaler technique checked at least once a year. This is quick and free of charge.

Norovirus

Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is an extremely infectious stomach bug. It can strike all year round, but is more common in winter and in places such as hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and schools.

The illness is unpleasant, but it’s usually over within a few days. You should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You can buy rehydration sachets from the pharmacy. If you take regular medicines for blood pressure or diabetes, your pharmacist may advise you to stop these for 48 hours whilst you recover.

Flu

Flu can be a major killer of vulnerable people. People aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are particularly at risk. If you suffer from a long term condition, ask your pharmacist if you can have a free NHS flu vaccine in one of our pharmacies.. We offer private vaccines for those who do not qualify for the NHS scheme.