As the first cold snap of the winter gets underway, the North West’s leading doctor is advising people to protect their health by stocking up on essential medicines, getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and reducing the risk of falls.

With snow forecast for some parts of the region this week, NHS England North West’s Medical Director, Dr Michael Gregory said: “There are a number of important steps people can take now to help prevent illness and avoid injury caused by slips, trips and falls.”

Winter is always a time of increased pressures for the NHS, with cold weather meaning NHS hospitals are likely to deal with high numbers of people injured due to slips, trips and falls. It comes as the latest data shows there were 2.36 million A&E attendances last month, six percent more than the previous busiest October (2.22 million in October 2023) and coming on the back of the most pressured summer and September on record. It was also a record October for emergency admissions (567,446).

To reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls make sure you wear appropriate shoes and give yourself more time to reach appointments or when visiting friends and family.

Dr Gregory said: “Making sure you stock up on some essentials that can help you and your family to cope with common complaints such as colds, coughs, stomach upsets, flu, and earache, will mean that you are better prepared. 

“If you do need health advice you can visit your community pharmacy or use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk This will mean that A&E and 999 services have more time to deal with serious and life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems, and serious accidents.

“The drop in temperature in winter means more chance of ice, snow and falling leaves. These can all increase the risk of a fall, so it’s important to be extra careful when going outside. Spreading sand or salt on icy surfaces on your driveway, garden paths, and steps can help. Make sure you are dressed for the cold weather – put on shoes that have a good grip and wear gloves to protect your hands in case you do fall.”

Some basic winter health advice that everyone can use includes:

• Use paracetamol if you have a temperature caused by coughs, cold and flu.
• Paracetamol can also be used for pain relief for complaints such as earache.
• Stomach ache, sore throats, general aches and sprains.
• Anti-diarrhoea and re-hydration mixtures for adults if they have an upset stomach.
• Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
• If you have prescription medication for asthma, other respiratory conditions or a long-term health condition remember to take them regularly as directed.

For some people, viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu and COVID-19 can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. The risk from these viruses is greater during winter when they circulate most as people spend more time indoors. Vaccines help reduce the risk of serious illness against these viruses and are offered to many people by the NHS for free ahead of colder months each year.

Vaccinations are our best defence against flu and covid-19 ahead of what could be a very challenging winter.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England – North West said: “If you are eligible, the best way to protect your children, yourself and family and friends is to book and get your vaccinations to ensure maximum protection from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu and COVID-19.

“The NHS will work quickly to ensure all those eligible are offered these lifesaving vaccinations during the winter months and you will be invited when it’s your turn, so please come forward to get your protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu and COVID-19 when invited – it will help protect you and those around you.”

Other advice to help stay healthy this winter, includes:

• Heat your home to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom.
• If you’re feeling cold, drink hot drinks regularly.
• Try not to sit still for more than one hour at a time. Moving even a little bit can help you to keep strength and mobility.
• Eating and drinking enough is also important. If you are finding it difficult to prepare and eat three big meals, try smaller ones throughout the day. 
• A good idea is to draw your curtains in the evenings to reduce heat loss through windows, and tuck long curtains behind radiators so that heat isn’t trapped. And make sure warm air can circulate by keeping radiators and heaters clear – don’t put furniture in front of them or dry washing on them.
• As the winter months are drawing in, look after your mental health as well as your physical health go to Every Mind Matters for advice.

For more information about self-care options for common complaints, search NHS seasonal advice or Age Concern UK.