Follow these useful tips to look after your health and the health of your family this winter:
Be prepared
Stock up with cold remedies, pain killers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, stave off upset stomachs with anti-diarrhoea capsules and rehydration mixtures, and keep plasters and bandages on hand for any cuts or scrapes.
Get a free flu vaccination if you are aged 65 or over, have a long- term health condition, are pregnant, are a main carer or are a young child
It will keep you from having a long recovery from this nasty illness, so book an appointment with your GP practice to get protected. Some pharmacies also offer NHS flu vaccinations to those aged 18+
Prescription medicine
If you use prescription medicine please ensure you will have enough to last over the festive holidays. GP practices will be closed on Monday 25 Dec, Tues 26 Dec and Mon 1 Jan.
Seek help from your pharmacist
They are qualified health professionals who can advise on everything from a cold to long-term conditions. This is often the best and quickest way to get well. You can see a list of pharmacies open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day here.
Beat the winter blues
Talk to someone. Talk about your anxieties with someone else, a friend, relative or a group such as the free Wellbeing Suffolk service on 0300 123 1503 or the Samaritans on the free 116 123 number. Talking about the things that are worrying you can make a big difference
NHS 111
Urgent medical help and advice from NHS 111 is now available online. You can still call the service on 111. Both online and telephone services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
