We can help to keep you well this winter
AS the weather gets colder, it’s time to think about how to stay well this winter – and your pharmacist is here to help! It’s never been more important to be prepared and protect yourself. In doing so, you’ll be helping the NHS, which continues to face unprecedented pressures because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cold weather can make some health conditions worse and there are always coughs and colds about. These can pose real risks for people aged 65 and over, babies and small children, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions, disabilities or mental health conditions – or those on low incomes who cannot afford heating.
If you are in one of these groups, it’s important to get medical help as soon as you feel unwell. This is where your local pharmacy can be invaluable.
Community pharmacists and their pharmacy teams can give guidance on the best treatment for a wide range of minor illnesses – including colds, headaches, cold sores, coughs, diarrhoea, dry skin, sore throats, earache, fever and high temperatures.
Most pharmacies offer a private consultation room where they can talk you through your symptoms, offer reassurance about how long these may last – and what to do if they continue or get worse. They can also advise when it would be best to see your GP. Flu is also more common in winter months. People with flu usually get better on their own but it can make some people more seriously ill.
This is why it is important to take up your flu vaccination if it is offered to you. In Derbyshire, if you are eligible, you can get your free flu vaccination from either your GP or pharmacy. If you are not entitled to a free vaccination but would like to have one, you can pay to have one at a pharmacy.
It’s always worth having some basic medical supplies and treatments at home. All of these can be found in your local pharmacy and your pharmacist can advise which would be most effective for you. For self-care over winter, we suggest you have the following in the house:
PAIN RELIEF
Painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin are highly effective at relieving most minor aches and pains and help with the common cold by reducing aches, pains and high temperatures. Please remember:
■ Aspirin must not be given to children under 16
■ Ibuprofen must be taken with caution if you have certain conditions – check with your pharmacist if in doubt
ANTIHISTAMINES
Antihistamines are useful for dealing with allergies and insect bites as well as hay fever.
ORAL REHYDRATION SALTS
A high temperature, diarrhoea and being sick make you lose water and essential minerals and can lead to dehydration. Oral rehydration salts help to restore fluid and minerals and help your recovery.
DIARRHOEA TREATMENT
Anti-diarrhoea remedies such as loperamide work by slowing down the action of your digestive system. They must not be given to children under 12.
INDIGESTION TREATMENT
If you have stomach ache or heartburn, an antacid helps to reduce the acid in your stomach and brings relief.
THERMOMETER
A digital thermometer produces very accurate readings. Ear thermometers are especially good if you have a baby or young child.
ANTISEPTIC
Antiseptic liquid can be used to clean cuts or wounds. Antiseptic cream is good to apply to a range of minor injuries, insect bites or pimples.
Please remember that when you are keeping medicines at home:
■ Always follow the directions on the packet or leaflet and never take more than the recommended dose
■ Always keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children
■ Check the expiry date of medicines. Please return out of date medicines to your community pharmacy who will dispose of them safely
Keeping your home warm can also help you keep well. People who are not very mobile, are 65 or over or have health conditions, should keep their home heated to above 18C day and night.
Frequent hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day are also recommended. Shutting your curtains at dusk and shutting internal doors will also keep warmth in and reduce drafts.
If you have older neighbours or relatives, or they have heart or breathing conditions, check they’re well, warm and stocked up on food and medicines.
If you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – then you could have coronavirus. If you have any of these symptoms, the advice is to get a test as soon as possible and stay at home until you get the results.
Anyone who lives with you should also stay at home until the test result is back. You shouldn’t have visitors and do not visit your pharmacy, GP or the hospital.
We can all help ourselves, our families, friends and neighbours stay well this winter.
And if you do feel unwell, help is out there.
■ ■The views and opinions of guest columnists do not necessarily represent those of either the Burton Mail or its staff