HEALTH MATTERS

DR Paul Bowen, GP with McIlvride Medical Practice, Poynton, and GP Chair of NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

Despite a cure for the common cold not being discovered between last winter and this winter, our GP surgeries will still receive hundreds of calls each week asking for treatment for sore throats, coughs and colds.

Most will clear up in one to two weeks, and require nothing more than regular painkillers (it’s ok to take paracetamol and ibuprofen together!), old fashioned steam inhalation with menthol, and a little patience.

Older people, young children and those with long term conditions are more vulnerable, and it’s important to stock up your first aid box in advance.

Your pharmacist can advise you if you have any symptoms and should be your first port of call to ensure GP and A&E waiting rooms are not the breeding ground for viruses.

But cold weather doesn’t have to go hand in hand with illness. Here are some simple things you can do to help yourself stay well this winter.

Keep warm – this may help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia.

Eat well – drinking just water will provide no energy at all during an illness. Try energy drinks if you are having problems eating. Stay hydrated and try to eat small amounts often.

Get a flu jab – a flu vaccination is offered free of charge to everyone aged 65 and over, children aged six months to two years and adults with long-term conditions, as they are at risk of falling seriously ill if they catch flu.

However, the jab is also recommended for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

For more winter health advice, visit www.nhs.uk/ staywell.

To help you choose the right service at the right time and to know what health options are available locally, visit easterncheshireccg.nhs. uk and search for ‘Choose Well’ and ‘Think Pharmacy.’