Keep winter well

Influenza infections rates have significantly risen in Birmingham and across the country and are making people very poorly.

Getting your vaccines every year, if you're eligible, tops up your protection and reduces your risk of getting severe symptoms.

You can check your eligibility, find out how to book your winter jab and get information on other vaccines (such as covid, RSV and whooping cough) on the NHS website.

Anyone can become unwell if they get too cold. Cold temperatures can be harmful for your health, especially for younger children, people aged 65 or older, and those with limited mobility or long-term health conditions.

Suggested ways to stay warm:

• Wear suitable clothing - several layers are better than one thick jumper.
• Keep your home warm. The rooms you use regularly such as bedrooms and living rooms should be at least 18°C.
• Make sure you're getting all the help that you're entitled to. There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.

BCHC Charity's Keeping Well and Warm project, delivered by the Direct Access to Wellbeing Services (DAWs) team, offers advice and guidance, along with practical measures to support the people of Birmingham to be well and warm at home, including energy efficiency equipment, financial support, and signposting to local support organisations. The DAWs team accept referrals from professionals and assess people based on their Warm and Well criteria. 

Visit their webpage  to find out more.

Ask your pharmacist what medicines should be in your cabinet to help you and your family this winter.

Many over-the-counter medicines (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) are available to relieve symptoms of common winter illnesses such as colds, sinusitis or earache.

Recommended items to keep on hand include

• Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen for pain or fever relief
• Cold and flu remedies
• Throat sweets
• Antihistamines
• Indigestion tablets
• Plasters and antiseptic cream for minor cuts
• A thermometer

To manage winter illness symptoms at home, you should keep warm, rest, drink plenty of fluids, have at least one hot meal a day to keep your energy levels up and use over-the-counter medicines to help give relief.

For more information, speak to your local pharmacist or find yours on the NHS website.

Order your repeat prescriptions in advance over the winter period. It will save you time, minimise delays and ensure you can pick up your medicine from your nearest pharmacy.

You can find the opening times for a number of pharmacies across Birmingham and Solihull (over the festive period) on this page. If you struggle to pick up your medications see if someone you trust can collect them for you. Some pharmacies will also deliver free of charge.

Most community pharmacies across Birmingham and Solihull can provide advice and treatment, if appropriate, for you or members of your family for seven common conditions. This service is called Pharmacy First . It's free (for those exempt from prescription charges) confidential and may be much quicker than seeing your GP.

Anyone can have a fall, but it's more likely if you're older or have mobility problems. Making changes to prevent falls can help you avoid injuries and keep your confidence and independence.

There are many things you can do to prevent falls. Two of the main things recommended are that you stay active by doing activities that improve strength and balance at least twice a week, and wear shoes or slippers that fit well and have a good grip.

NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB) has videos on its website that provide practical tips to prevent falls. Information on what to do if you fall can be found on the NHS Falls website.

NHS 111

The NHS 111 service can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, urgent dental care, or consultations with a pharmacist. And, if needed, it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic.

NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way to get urgent help for a wide range of health

problems. It could even save you a trip to A&E, as it is estimated that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances are avoidable or could be better treated elsewhere.

If you are experiencing significant emotional or mental distress, remember that NHS 111 is here for you too. People of all ages who are in a mental health crisis or concerned about a loved one can call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional. The service is also suitable for deaf people, with tailored services available via the NHS 111 website.

 

NHS App

The NHS App helps you to get well, stay well and manage your healthcare. It's a simple and secure way to:

• book your winter vaccines
• order repeat prescriptions
• find NHS services
• view your GP health record
• and much more…

 

It's free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can download the NHS App on the NHS website.

At BCHC we have an App library website that contains over 900 apps that have been carefully selected by our healthcare professionals.

If you are looking for advice on topics such as falls prevention, mental health, dental care, pain management, sexual health, pregnancy, alcohol monitoring, diet and much more, this website could be for you.

Simply visit the App Library website to explore the many apps available, giving you greater autonomy over your body and mind.

If you have a lung condition, winter can be more than just cold snaps and long nights. People with lung conditions can end up seriously unwell over winter - as seasonal triggers like cold air, colds, flu, damp and mould make it harder to breathe.

Asthma and Lung UK is a website dedicated to helping people with asthma and lung conditions. Their website contains guidance on how to look after you lungs during the cold weather when you are spending time indoors or outside.

You can also sign up to its Winter Wellbeing Guide. By answering a few short questions about your lung condition and your symptoms over winter, you'll get free, personalised health advice straight to your inbox.