The NHS' winter campaign – 'Help Us, Help You' – is here to help make it easier to understand the things you can do to manage your health during winter and get the best out of your NHS. We all know that the NHS can be especially busy during the winter months, and everyone can benefit by following the expert advice of NHS staff; to prevent an illness getting worse; take the best course of action, and get well again sooner.
For example, you can ask a pharmacist for advice before minor ailments or winter illnesses get worse. Community pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer clinical advice and over the counter medicines to effectively and safely manage a range of health concerns, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, earaches, eye infections and many more. Most people live within easy reach of a pharmacy, it's quick and convenient – you don't need to book an appointment and can be seen by a pharmacist in the privacy of a consultation room.
If you need to see a GP but find it hard to access your practice in routine hours, appointments with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professionals are available in the evenings and at weekends through your practice or other local NHS services.
If you're unsure where to go and think you need urgent medical attention, but it's not life-threatening, contacting NHS 111 can help you make sure you reach the best NHS service for your health needs. NHS 111 is available online at 111.nhs.uk as well as by phone.
The 'Help Us, Help You' campaign also encourages the most vulnerable people in society – over 65s and those with underlying health conditions – to take better care of their health as the colder months approach. Older neighbours, relatives, and friends may need a bit of extra help this winter, so make sure you keep in touch, check if they are feeling under the weather, help them stock up on food supplies, and make sure they have any necessary medication.
Help Us, Help You.
To find out more, please visit: nhs.uk/winteradvice
