Be prepared for winter – NHS advice to help you and your loved ones stay healthy
From boosting your immunity to swapping slippers, now is the time to take action to stay well this winter. As the colder months approach, it’s essential to take steps to protect your health and that of your loved ones. The NHS in mid and south Essex is encouraging everyone to ‘Be Prepared for Winter’ by following key health advice early in the season to help prevent illness.
Everyone’s health is important and being prepared for winter is essential to reduce the risk of getting seriously ill.
We will briefly cover some areas to make patients aware of what is available and what they can do to minimise health risks.
Learn more about the things you and your family have access to and can do to keep safe this winter.
Key actions to take
These are the following 6 key actions to take leading up to winter:
- Being up to date with vaccinations
- Practice self-care
- Use Pharmacy First for minor health concerns
- Look after your mental health
- Boost your immunity
- Prevent falls
1. Being up to date with vaccinations
Protect yourself and your loved ones during the winter period when flu and respiratory disease is on the rise.
- Get vaccinated, stay protected: Winter is a high-risk time for illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Vaccinations are a simple, effective way to protect yourself and others.
- The RSV vaccine is new for 2024 and helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill. The vaccine is recommended during pregnancy and for adults aged 75 to 79.
- Check your eligibility: If you are eligible, make sure to book your flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations as soon as possible. These vaccines are especially important for older adults, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women. Visit the Mid and South Essex vaccination hub for more information on all seasonal vaccinations, eligibility criteria and how to get your vaccine. https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/vaccination/
Protect your baby from serious lung infection.
RSV vaccination when you are pregnant is the best way to protect your baby.
Protect yourself from serious lung infection
If you are aged 75 to 79, your GP will contact you about getting your free respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.
2. Self-care practices
Practice self-care: Keep your medicine cupboard well-stocked with essentials and know how to manage minor illnesses at home. For minor health concerns, your local pharmacy should be your first point of call. Pharmacists can offer advice and treatment without the need for an appointment. Using your local pharmacy can help you get care quickly. They may also be able to offer treatment and prescription medication for some conditions without you needing to see a GP, a service known as Pharmacy First.
Using community referral tools like Essex Frontline can connect you with vital support services in your local community. Whether you need help staying warm, managing energy bills, or accessing food and healthcare, Essex Frontline is ready to guide you.
3. Pharmacy First
Please know that:
- Your pharmacist can help: For minor health concerns, your local pharmacy should be your first port of call. Pharmacists professionals who are trained professionals to offer advice and treatment without the need for an appointment.
- Save time and stay well: Using your local pharmacy can help you get the care you need quickly. They may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First). Visit https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/support/local-pharmacy-information/ for more information
Since its launch on the 31st of January 2024, more than 10,000 pharmacies have registered to deliver the Pharmacy First service to date.
Along with expansions to the pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraception services, the Pharmacy First advanced service is in place to save up to 10 million general practice team appointments a year.
Furthermore, the service intends to help patients access quicker and more convenient care, including the supply of appropriate medicines for minor illness.
The service will consist of three elements:
- Referrals for minor illness consultations with a pharmacist
- Urgent supply of repeat meds and appliances
- Clinical pathway consultations
Explaining clinical pathway consultations
The NHS is delivering a major transformation in the way it delivers care to patients needing to see a GP.
The goal is to minimise stress on GP practices while offering support in more places so patients can be seen in a quicker timeframe.
Community pharmacies can offer treatment for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP.
Pharmacists providing advice and NHS-funded treatment, where clinically appropriate, can assess and treat patients for seven common conditions:
7 conditions managed by Pharmacy First service
To learn more about the Pharmacy First service, click here to learn more today.
4. Mental health
It is important to look after your mental health, especially as winter approached and it gets colder with less daylight.
Mental health and wellbeing
- Look after your mental health: Winter can be tough on mental wellbeing. Take time to check in with yourself and loved ones. Simple actions like staying connected with others, maintaining a routine, and getting outside during daylight hours can make a big difference. Find dedicated information for looking after your mental wellbeing here: https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/winter/mental-health-winter/
- Seek support if needed: If you are struggling with your mental health, do not hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available, including NHS 111 (option 2), your GP practice, local mental health services, and helplines.
5. Boosting your immunity
There are a few ways that you can boost your immune system to prepare for this winter.
A balanced diet and regular physical activity are crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. Even in colder weather, try to incorporate fruits, vegetables, and exercise into your daily routine. Drinking enough water is also essential, even in winter. It helps your body function optimally and prevents dehydration, which can weaken your immune system.
6. Prevent falls
If you or someone you care for is older, take steps to prevent falls this winter. For more tips and resources, visit the Preventing Falls and Staying Well Guide, developed in partnership with Active Essex.
Subscribe for expert winter health tips
Winter can be tough on your health, but with the right advice, you can stay safe and well. Sign up for the NHS winter email series to receive regular tips and updates on managing your health during the colder months.
Don’t miss out – subscribe today for expert advice straight to your inbox.
Key call to action: Refer to the Winter Information Hub
For more detailed information and resources on how to stay healthy and safe this winter, please refer people to visit the Mid and South Essex Winter Information Hub at https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/winter/.
