As we have reached the start of November, winter is fast approaching. The NHS in north Cumbria is asking people to get prepared for winter and try to prevent illnesses over the cold winter months.

Health experts across North Cumbria Integrated Care’s (NCIC) services are finalising plans to cope with the additional pressures winter inevitably brings to health services. One of the most important things people can do is ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for eligible groups, including older adults, people with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and children. 

Vaccinations are free and can be booked through your GP, local pharmacy, the NHS App, or by calling 119. Walk-in clinics are also running across the region. Getting vaccinated helps protect not only yourself but also those around you, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.

Dr Clive Graham, Consultant Microbiologist & Clinical Director for Pathology at NCIC, said: "We’re seeing flu cases rise earlier than expected this year, and it’s already having an impact in our communities and hospitals. The flu virus can be extremely serious, especially for older people, young children, and those with existing health conditions. That’s why we’re urging everyone who’s eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Children and young people are being offered the nasal flu vaccine in their school/educational setting. If the child/young person misses their vaccination, requires an alternative to the nasal flu vaccine or requires extra support, there are bookable community clinics available.” 

NCIC is offering the free flu vaccine to all staff to help them protect themselves and their patients. Adults at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu are eligible for the vaccine including those aged 65 or over; people with long-term health conditions; pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems.

Another way to prepare is to stock up on essential items ahead of winter. This includes making sure medicine cabinets are well supplied with cold and flu remedies, pain relief, and any regular prescriptions. Having basic supplies at home can help avoid unnecessary trips out in bad weather or when feeling unwell.

Keeping warm is another key part of staying healthy in winter. Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with existing health conditions. It’s important to heat your home to at least 18°C in rooms you use regularly, wear layers of clothing, and use blankets or hot water bottles to stay warm.  

Salli Pilcher, Lead Nurse for Community at NCIC said: “We have many patients living with long-term conditions, the cold and wet winter weather can make them even more vulnerable. Some conditions such as respiratory illnesses are much worse in the winter, staying warm can really help. We’d ask family and neighbours to look out for those vulnerable people in our communities, checking in to see if they need anything, a simple phone call or visit can make a big difference."

Salli continues: “Don’t delay in getting treatment for minor winter ailments like colds or sore throats. Visit your local pharmacist or GP for advice on treatment before it gets worse so you can recover quicker.”

Local pharmacies are also a valuable resource during the winter months. Pharmacists are trained to offer expert advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses. They also have recently launched the ‘Pharmacy First’ service to make it easier and faster for people to access treatment for common conditions. This initiative allows patients to receive expert advice and, where appropriate, prescription-only medicines directly from their local community pharmacy without needing to see a GP.

Under Pharmacy First, trained pharmacists can assess and treat seven common conditions:

  • Sinusitis (12+ years)
  • Sore throat (5+ years)
  • Earache (1–17 years)
  • Infected insect bites (1+ years)
  • Impetigo (1+ years)
  • Shingles (18+ years)
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16–64)

Patients can access the service by walking into a participating pharmacy or through referrals from NHS 111.

Salli added: “As always the NHS is here for you this winter, but we always need the public to help us with the challenge of winter; everyone can play their part. Please choose our services wisely and save A&E for the serious injuries and life threatening emergencies. Think 111, pharmacy first and look after each other!”