10 ways to stay well and look after yourself this winter
Winter illnesses
Sickness rates increase over the winter. This is due to a combination of infections, lower temperatures and falls in the elderly. But there are things they and you can do, to reduce the likelihood of sickness in the winter.
1. Wait a bit
Most people recover from minor illnesses without needing to see a doctor. A combination of rest, fluids and the right over-the-counter medication will usually get you back on your feet.
2. Talk to your local pharmacist
This is a good place to start when you need health advice. Your pharmacist can provide over-the-counter medication for everyday ailments such as coughs and colds, as well as pain relief for headache, stomach ache and earache.
Think about stocking up with over-the-counter medicines for everyday ailments like coughs, colds, aches and pains. Your pharmacist can also help you get repeat prescriptions in good time (see below).
3. Know where to go for medical help
There is a lot of medical help close at hand. But it is sometimes hard to know where to go, or who to see. As well as your GP, please try your local Pharmacy, Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), Minor Injury/Illness Unit (MIU) or call NHS 111 for advice. DO go to A&E, but for emergencies only.
If you are housebound, a GP or one of their staff, you can still ask for a home visit.
4. Make sure your house is safe
It is important to make sure your house is safe as it can be, at all times; and you can get in and out of the house without there being injured. When it is wet or icy, throughout the winter, it is easier to slip and fall, and this could cause serious injuries amongst the elderly.
Neighbours, friends and family can help by keeping any driveways and paths clean and by salting steps/slopes often. Green mould can also be very slippery so it is important to remove that as well.
Within the house make sure hazards – e.g. furled up carpets, broken furniture and obstacles – are spotted and removed.
5. Keep warm and care when travelling
Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and food at home and keep an eye out for your elderly neighbours, as well as yourself. If you have to go out in bad weather, think carefully about what you wear – especially on your feet – and how you travel. Taxi may be safer than battling in a bus queue.
6. Ask for help with cost of energy
Being cold is dangerous for the elderly. And we all know about the spiralling cost of energy, and increasing bills.
Talk to your energy supplier and explain you are in difficulty, elderly and vulnerable and it is important they do not cut you off. They won’t if they know you are in that group.
7. Keep your medical records up-to-date
Make sure that you have a copy of your medical records and current medications; in case something happens, and you have to see a doctor that does not know you urgently. Do not assume that all doctors, nurses and other health professionals will know all about you. Their computers are not linked up.
8. Make sure you have a good supply of tablets
Make sure you do not run out of tablets, especially over Xmas/NY period. You can ask your pharmacist for advice on how not to run out; and they can teach you to use modern technology like computers and mobile phone apps – to prevent that from happening.
9. Ask for virtual (telephone) appointments with your GP and hospital consultant(s)
Travelling to your GP, let alone the hospital, can be a long day out, and a risk to you, e.g. of falls. So telephone appointments may be better. Doctors often have more time to talk in those than face to face appointments. Why not have those in the winter.
10. Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines
Flu jabs are available free at your pharmacist if you are over 50 years, pregnant or have a long-term conditions. Are you up to date with COVID-19 boosters as well? Check check check.
Summary
We have described 10 ways to stay well and look after yourself this winter. We hope it has helped you.
Other resource
MyHSN has a related article on how to get a GP appointment.
