Winter health: Be ready

Staying Well This Festive Season

The festive period is a busy time, but it’s important to look after your health. Cold weather can make some health problems worse, especially for older people, young children, and anyone with a long-term condition. Keep warm, wear layers, and drink hot drinks.

GP practices and many pharmacies have reduced opening hours over the bank holidays. This means you may not be able to get help as quickly as normal. If you take regular medicine, order your prescriptions when you have no less than 7 days left. This helps make sure you don’t run out during the holidays.

If you start to feel unwell, choose the right service. Many minor illnesses can be treated at home or with advice from your local pharmacy. They can help with coughs, colds, and tummy bugs as well as;

• Sinusitis (aged 12+)

• Sore throat (aged 5+)

• Earache (aged 1–17)

• Infected insect bite (aged 1+)

• Impetigo (aged 18+)

• Shingles (aged 18+)

• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged 16–64

If you need urgent medical help but it’s not life-threatening, contact NHS 111 by phone or online. They will tell you the best place to get care. If you're worried about your mental health, call 111 and chose the mental health option.

For serious or life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or heavy bleeding, call 999 or go to A&E.

A little planning now can help you stay well over the festive season.

If you need help accessing the information you need or you would like to share your experience of health and social care services in Southend contact us.

Email: info@healthwatchsouthend.co.uk or call: 01702 416320

Helpful links

The Mid & South Essex integrated care system has a wide range of helpful articles for health advice over winter and beyond.

MSE ICS website

Pharmacy first - find out more about how your local pharmacy can support your health and wellbeing, plus there is a link to put in your postcode and find one closest to you.

Pharmacy first

For information about winter vaccinations including for flu and covid-19 please see the link below to the NHS website.

NHS winter vaccinations