Page updated: 04 Jan 2011
Keep warm and well this winter
NHS Trafford is reminding residents to keep warm and well this winter, and to use NHS services appropriately.
Many common winter ailments can be treated at home with medicine cabinet essentials such as paracetamol, anti-diarrhoeal medicines and re-hydration mixtures. Your local pharmacist can offer professional advice and can provide over-the-counter medicines. You can text ‘pharmacy’ to 64746 to receive three free texts with details of your nearest pharmacies.
If you have think you have the norovirus, or winter vomiting bug, stay at home, rest and have plenty of drinks to replace lost fluids. Do not visit your GP surgery or A&E unit as there is no treatment they can give you and you will risk infecting other vulnerable people. If the symptoms persist, ask your doctor for a telephone consultation.
Cases of seasonal flu are on the rise. If you think you have flu, you should make sure you stay inside, stay warm, and drink plenty of fluids. Flu will last for around five days, but if you feel you aren’t getting any better, you should telephone your GP surgery for advice. They may ask you to come in for an appointment, or they might give you advice on how to care for yourself at home.
Living in a cold home can aggravate existing health problems and encourage colds and flu, so keep your home heated to the optimum temperature (18 to 21 degrees Celsius or 64 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and wear several light layers indoors to help keep you warm.
Eating well can help stave off illnesses, and healthy carbohydrates like rice, pasta, potatoes and wholegrain bread are all good winter energy sources. Aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and hot meals and drinks can help to keep you warm. Stock your cupboards and freezer with basic food items in case it’s too cold to go shopping.
During icy conditions, hospitals deal with high numbers of people injured due to slips, trips and falls. Take extra care if you do have to go out, and anyone with walking difficulties should remain indoors until the ice has cleared.
Don’t forget, the team of trained nurses and advisors at NHS Direct can be contacted any time, day or night, on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect.