There are many things that you can do to help us this winter.
Staying well this winter
Winter conditions can be seriously bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 or older, and people with long-term conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease.
Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The cold and damp weather, ice, snow and high winds can all aggravate any existing health problems and make us more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses.
But there are lots of things you can do to stay well this winter.
Need treatment?
At the first sign of a winter illness, even if it’s just a cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist, before it gets more serious. Act quickly. The sooner you get advice from a pharmacist the better.
If you need medical advice, call the NHS 111 helpline, or visit the NHS 111 website (opens in a new tab).
You should call 111 if:
- You need medical help fast, but it's not a 999 emergency.
- You don't know who to call for medical help or you don't have a GP to call.
- You think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service; or.
- You require health information or reassurance about what to do next.
When you are ill or injured it is important you receive the right level of care at the right time.
Urgent advice: Our emergency department is very busy
If you need urgent medical help for something that isn't an emergency, remember A&E isn't your only option.
- Call 111
- Visit an urgent treatment centre or minor injury unit
- Speak to your local pharmacy