Be prepared to stay safe and healthy this winter

It’s more important than ever we all stay well this winter.

The NHS is under extreme pressure, not just with COVID-19, but with increasing patient needs and limited capacity. It’s all putting the greatest pressure on the NHS in a generation. On top of this, frontline NHS staff are receiving abuse daily while they try to provide care. Please be patient and kind to one another.

Plan ahead

Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. Prepare your home, medicine cabinet and know how to get help or advice. Check on older adults and vulnerable neighbours, family and friends.

If you’re prepared for the hazards of winter, you’re more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Get advice if you feel unwell

It’s important to know where to get help or advice if you are unwell. The sooner you get advice, the sooner you are likely to get better.

The NHS website has lots of self-care tips www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/keep-warm-keep-well/

Check your medicine cabinet is ready for winter. Remember most common winter ailments, such as a cold, sore throat, cough, sinusitis or earache, can’t be treated with antibiotics.

A pharmacy – your local pharmacist can give treatment and advice for a range of minor illnesses and tell you if you need to see a doctor. Make sure you get regular prescriptions in before the Christmas holidays and check pharmacy opening times over Christmas and bank holidays at www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/live-well/find-pharmacist

Your GP (doctor) – you may be able to speak to a GP online or over the phone, or go in for an appointment if they need to see you in person.

NHS 111 – Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. They can also get you an appointment at the emergency department at Salford Royal hospital if necessary. In case of emergency dial 999.

Salford Royal’s accident and emergency department (A&E) is for lifethreatening emergencies, such as severe chest pain or injuries, broken bones, breathing difficulties and bleeding that won’t stop.

Get the flu jab if you are eligible

If your GP offers you a free flu jab please make sure you take it. Flu can make you seriously ill and even land you in hospital. Don’t risk fighting flu and COVID-19 this winter. Find out more about the flu vaccine by visiting www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/ You can also get a flu vaccine from pharmacists www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/live-well/flu-vaccine/pharmacies-offering-flu-vaccination

Keeping your home warm

You will probably be spending more time at home in winter than other seasons. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm

• heat your home to at least 18C (65F) and keep the heating on all night if you can. Keep your windows closed

• use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but do not use both at the same time

• have at least one hot meal a day. Eating regularly helps keep you warm as do regular hot drinks

• draw your curtains at dusk and keep internal doors closed to block out draughts

• wear several layers of light clothes. They trap warm air better than one bulky layer.

• see Warm Salford (page 21) for advice on insulating your home and saving money

Check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours and relatives

Be a good neighbour and check to make sure they are safe, well and warm. Make sure they have enough food and medicines so they do not need to go out during very cold weather.

Stay safe and warm when going outside in winter:

• wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing, mittens, hats, scarves and waterproof boots

• avoid travelling when the Met Office issues a weather warning. If you must travel, tell a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of arrival

Look after your mental health

You might feel the need to sleep longer, notice a change in your appetite, or find things you normally do, like going to the gym or socialising with friends, are a struggle.

If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, reach out for help. Chat to a friend or family member, visit a support website or call a help line.

The NHS Every Mind Matters has lots of tips for all ages www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

For Salford support please visit hub.gmhsc.org.uk/mental-health/in-your-area/salford/ or www.partnersinsalford.org/emotionalhealthservices

You can call Greater Manchester Mental Health on 0800 953 0285 at any time or the Samaritans on 116123 or visit www.samaritans.org or if you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide please visit www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk for help and support.

Kooth offers online support for young people aged 11 to 24 up to 10 pm every day. Visit www.kooth.com