Keep warm and well during winter cold

HEALTH chiefs are urging people to keep warm and keep well this winter.

At the first sign of cold or flu, sufferers are advised to visit a pharmacy for professional advice and overthe-counter remedies, to prevent an unwanted or unnecessary trip to hospital.

Dr Aly Rashid, medical director for NHS England in Leicestershire and Rutland, said: “During winter lots of illnesses circulate and it can be easy to pick up coughs, colds and sore throats.

“There are ways to lower your risk of becoming unwell, such as keeping your home warm and having the free flu jab if you are eligible.

“Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and veg can help too.

“If you start to feel unwell, visit your local pharmacy where you can get free, expert advice on over the counter and prescription medicines.”

He said that people acting as carers should make sure they keep themselves healthy in order to be able to look after others who are more vulnerable.

The advice from NHS England is to keep homes warm, sleep and eat well and take regular exercise.

People who are able are urged to keep a check on older or vulnerable relatives and neighbours.

Thousands of people across the country have already been struck down with a persistent cough in recent weeks.

The illness, which seems to last for three weeks, cannot be treated with antibiotics because it is a virus and not bacterial in nature.

Doctors have recommended rest and plenty of fluids to keep the illness at bay unless patients also have an underlying condition such as lung cnacer or emphysemia, then treatment should be sought.

For more information on keeping warm an well this winter visit www.gov. uk/keep-warm-keep-well

Anyone concerned about an older person’s wellbeing, who has no contact for their immediate family, can call the Age UK helpline for advice on 0800 00 99 66.