Top gift revealed as London’s Chief Nurse shares holiday health tips for Londoners.

As the NHS in London prepares to enter one of its busiest periods of the year, Caroline Alexander, the capital’s chief nurse, is asking Londoners to put their health at the top of their “To Do” list this Christmas. To help here are five simple steps to a healthier, happier holiday:

1. A flu jab could be the best present you give yourself and your family this Christmas. They are available on high streets and through doctor’s surgeries across the capital, and lots of us can benefit: 2-4 year olds can have a nasal flu spray and pregnant women, older people and those with other health conditions get them for free. Check if you would benefit and make an appointment when you are feeling well. Find out more information about the flu jab.
2. Check that you and your family, particularly those who are staying with you, have all the prescription medicines they will need over the holidays. And, most importantly, remember to pack any medication if you are going away. At weekends NHS 111 takes up to 180 calls a day for emergency repeat medication alone. Prepare, don’t panic, when you should be having fun.
3. As well as stocking up on stuffing, mince pies and cranberry sauce, it is worth making sure you have paracetamol, ibuprofen and a thermometer. And check that the medication at the back of the cupboard is in date, so that you are ready to head off the winter woes of coughs, colds and tummy bugs.
4. If you are laid low with minor illnesses like coughs, colds or tummy bugs, talk to your local pharmacist, who can give expert and immediate advice. To help you check which pharmacies are open in your area over the holidays – even on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – NHS England London has put together a helpful London wide list.
5. If you do fall ill and need medical advice – particularly if you are over 60 and are feeling under the weather, but it is not an emergency – then dial NHS 111. They can refer you for more help if you need it.

Caroline Alexander, Chief Nurse at NHS England (London) said: “There are some simple steps that everyone can take to have a happier Christmas this year. It may not be glamorous but having a flu jab before the celebrations start could be the best present you can give yourself and your family. Nobody plans to take to their bed as the turkey is due in the oven, or have their medication run out as Downton starts, but if you don’t think ahead it could happen to you or someone you love.

“That is why we are providing Londoners with five simple steps to a healthy holiday as part of their Christmas preparations, and reminding everyone to use the help available if you and yours are feeling under the weather over the break. We have put together a list of pharmacists open over the holidays across the capital, and 111 is only a phone call away.”