Byhowbeck
Have you had your flu vaccine yet?
To book your flu vaccine, please contact the practice on 01889 562145 and speak with a member of the Reception Team to book your appointment
Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?
• Any person aged 65 and over
• Any person who have a long-term health condition e.g. Asthma; Diabetes; COPD; etc
• If you are pregnant
• If you are a carer
You can find out more about flu and the importance of having the vaccine at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
Byhowbeck
Help Us to Help You 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.
It’s important to keep warm in winter
Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems.
- Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F)
- Keep active when your indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour
- Wear several layers of light clothes, several layers trap warm air better than one bulky layer
- Close your curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to keep out any draughts
- Get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional
You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. Grants available include Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment.
Feeling unwell? Don’t wait – get advice from your nearest pharmacist
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. Pharmacists are fully qualified to advise you on the best course of action. This can be the best and quickest way to help you recover and get back to normal. If you can’t get to a pharmacist yourself, ask someone to go for you or call your local pharmacy.
Have you had the flu jab?
The flu virus strikes in winter and it can be far more serious than you think. Flu can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and it can be deadly. That’s why the flu jab is free if you’re aged 65 or over, or if you have a long-term health condition. If you have young children or grandchildren they may also be eligible for a free flu vaccination. And if you are the main carer of an older or disabled person you may also be eligible for the free flu jab. Just speak to your GP receptionist or pharmacist.