Winter health advice
Winter illnesses and hypothermia
Winter is a time where more people get colds, coughs and flu.
Getting your COVID and Flu vaccination is the best thing you can do to protect yourself from becoming seriously unwell this winter.
You can book your jab through your GP or local pharmacy.
For more information see NHS Flu Vaccine and COVID vaccine.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is when a person's normal body temperature of around 37°C (98.6°F) drops below 35°C (95°F).
It is usually caused by being in a cold environment and can be triggered by a combination of things.
For more information on hypothermia, see NHS: Hypothermia.
Be ready for winter
Most normally healthy people with a winter illness do not need to see their GP, attend A&E or need to call 999.
Colds, sore throats, head-aches, hangovers, upset stomachs, coughs, aches, pains, and winter vomiting should all be treated at home or with the advice of your local pharmacist, with pain killers, rest and plenty of fluids.
What to keep in your medicine cabinet
Medicine or first aid | What it's used for |
|---|---|
Paracetamol and ibuprofen | Effective at relieving most minor aches and pains such as headaches period pain, inflammation in arthritis and sprains. |
Oral rehydration salts (such as Dioralyte®) | Fever, diarrhoea and vomiting make us lose water and essential minerals, and can lead to dehydration. If you have these symptoms and can't continue your normal diet, oral rehydration salts can help to restore your body's natural balance of minerals and fluid and relieve discomfort and tiredness. They don't fight the underlying cause of your illness, such as a virus or bacteria. |
Antacids (comes in chewable tablets, or tablets that dissolve in water, or in liquid form) | We sometimes over indulge during the festive period and this can bring stomach ache, heartburn or trapped wind. A simple antacid will reduce stomach acidity and bring relief. |
First aid kit:
| These are some of the main items that should be in your first aid kit. If you have small children - you should keep a thermometer and children's paracetamol handy, and take with you if you take trips or breaks. |