Because the festive season approaches, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is ramping up efforts to maintain residents wholesome amid rising issues over flu, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and norovirus all circulating in our communities on the identical time.
Newest information from the UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) reveals flu circumstances are at present highest amongst 5 to 14-year-olds, however a major rise in grownup circumstances is anticipated over the vacations when faculties and nurseries shut. With winter viruses anticipated to peak within the coming weeks, the NHS is urging everybody to take easy but efficient steps to safeguard their well being and take advantage of the vacation season.
Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, stated:
“As we enter the festive season, it’s necessary to organize for winter well being challenges so we will all take pleasure in a protected and wholesome vacation. With respiratory sicknesses affecting our residents and putting the NHS underneath extreme stress sooner than typical, taking easy steps like stocking up on over-the-counter medicines, maintaining updated with vaccinations, getting early recommendation from pharmacists and realizing you’ll be able to search assist for minor sicknesses from them could make an enormous distinction.
“As we collect indoors over the festive interval, getting the flu in addition to Covid or RSV jabs for many who are eligible, stays the easiest way to guard ourselves and our family members. This additionally helps to ease the workload on NHS workers who’re working tirelessly to care by their native healthcare companies or when hospital care is required. I urge everybody eligible to schedule their vaccinations as quickly as potential to assist preserve themselves and their households protected this December and past. By planning forward, we will defend our well being, ease the stress on NHS companies, and begin the New 12 months on the best foot.”
Listed here are our high ideas to make sure a wholesome and stress-free festive interval:
Shield Your self with Vaccinations
- Folks have simply over every week left to ebook COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments on the NHS on-line reserving system, NHS App and 119 cellphone service – till the autumn vaccination programme formally ends on December 19. After this, these eligible can contact their GP or pharmacy to rearrange an appointment.
- Flu vaccinations can be out there till the tip of March 2025, whereas COVID-19 vaccinations might be booked till 31 January 2025.
- This yr, the NHS has additionally launched the brand new RSV vaccination programme for older adults and pregnant ladies which may help give further safety towards the RSV that usually circulates in winter months.
Be Conscious of Norovirus
Norovirus, usually known as the “winter vomiting bug,” is very contagious and customary throughout the colder months. To assist forestall the unfold:
- Wash palms steadily with cleaning soap and water, particularly after utilizing the bathroom or earlier than consuming.
- Keep away from making ready meals for others you probably have signs.
- Keep hydrated if unwell and relaxation at house till no less than 48 hours after signs cease.
- Contact NHS 111 for recommendation if signs persist or worsen.
Put together for Minor Illnesses
- Inventory Your Medication Cupboard: Embody necessities like paracetamol, plasters, easy dressings, and age-appropriate treatments similar to Calpol for youngsters.
- Verify Expiry Dates: Exchange out-of-date medicines so that you’re able to handle minor well being points at house.
Order Repeat Prescriptions in Advance
- Keep away from last-minute stress by ordering repeat prescriptions early. Use the NHS app for comfort and to assist preserve NHS 111 out there for pressing wants.
Preserve heat and properly
Look After Your Psychological Well being
This time of yr, might be emotionally difficult for some, and it’s necessary to take steps to guard your psychological wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing embody staying linked to others and taking time for self-care – might be particularly helpful. For added assist, NHS companies can be found that can assist you keep mentally properly this winter.
Know The place to Get Assist
- For frequent seasonal points like earaches, sore throats, and coughs suppose self-care. Paracetamol, fluids, and relaxation are sometimes sufficient to handle at house.
- For minor sicknesses go to your native pharmacy for recommendation.
- For minor accidents go to you nearest Minor Harm Unit. There are 4 Minor Injury Unitswithin the county situated in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry and Whitchurch.
- Not sure what to do contact NHS 111 online or name 111 for steering.
- Use the Healthier Together for steering on frequent childhood sicknesses.
- For emergencies, together with chest ache, severe damage, or indicators of stroke, all the time go straight to your nearest Emergency Division (A&E).
Further Assist
Let’s make this festive season wholesome and pleasurable for everybody. By taking these easy steps, we will all assist cut back stress on NHS companies and begin the New 12 months on a optimistic be aware.
