t r e p x e ic e
Welcoming
winter There’s plenty you can do to prepare for both the colder climate and seasonal challenges, as Consultant Pharmacist Neil Hamilton explains…
I
thought that I’d take this opportunity to summarise the most important considerations to keep you well over the coming months.
Vaccination
A new COVID-19 vaccine has been developed, which covers two strains of the virus (the original, plus Omicron). This vaccine is currently being rolled out and I would recommend you have it as soon as you can. COVID-19 infections and hospital admissions are on the increase, so this is the best way of protecting yourself. In our hospital (The Royal Hallamshire, in Sheffield), the staff are being offered the flu vaccine too.
Not many people caught flu last winter, so there isn’t so much natural immunity in the population this time around. In addition, we can all socialise without restrictions this winter, so vaccines will be vital in protecting our loved ones and ourselves. Making sure everyone who is eligible has the flu vaccine as well as the COVID-19 booster has become a priority for the NHS and there are national advertising campaigns reminding everyone, with very good reason. It is safe to have these together if you are offered them at the same time, and you may be able to receive vaccines at your local pharmacy if that is more accessible to you than a clinic.
Cold & flu remedies
For anyone with PH unfortunate enough to come down with a nasty cold, or even flu, the local pharmacy should also be your first stop for some helpful advice. Not only is your pharmacist available without an appointment, but pharmacies are usually open longer hours than a GP surgery, so should be much more accessible. The pharmacist will be able to advise
AUTUMN/WINTER 2022 emphasis 40
Neil Hamilton is a Consultant Pharmacist at the Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit. He has many years of experience in the field of PH, both in his clinical role and through his long-standing association with the PHA UK.
adv
you which remedies will be best for you. In terms of PH-specific advice, I would advise against patients with PH taking decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed and other products) as this constricts blood vessels. I also advise to avoid drugs known as anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen. Whilst one-off doses may be harmless, these can cause problems with your kidneys and possibly worsen breathlessness. Whenever you seek advice over the pharmacy counter, it is important that you take along an up-to-date list of current prescribed medicines so that the pharmacist can avoid any potential interactions.
