People in the North West with long term conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease are being urged to take extra precautions to manage their health as hospitals continue to treat high numbers of patients with flu, COVID-19 and norovirus.

National data published today (6 March) shows an average of 1,546 patients in hospital with flu last week – including 74 in critical care – a slight drop compared to the week before (1,656) but still 16% higher than this time last year.

There was an average of 1,101 patients in hospital with COVID-19 each day – a slight increase from last week (1,027) – as well as an average of 13 children in hospital with RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) each day, almost twice as high as last year (7). The number of patients in hospital with norovirus- 1,094 – last week was also more than double that in the same period last year

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England – North West, said: “Despite early signs of spring, winter illnesses continue to circulate at this time of year and can aggravate any existing health problems, make us more vulnerable to respiratory problems and raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

“People with long-term health conditions need to take extra precautions to make sure they stay well, including making sure they have the medication they need and get vaccinated as this will help reduce the likelihood of needing urgent medical attention.”

Everyone’s experience of living with a long-term condition is different but there are few things people can do to help them manage their condition, including:

Get a flu jab

It’s not too late. If you’re eligible to have the free flu vaccine – If you have a long-term health condition, are pregnant or aged over 65 or over, you can still get it until 31 March. It can protect you all winter. If you are the main carer of an older or disabled person you may also be eligible for the free flu jab. Just speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Also, don’t forget that if you’re aged 65 or over, you are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine, which will help protect you from pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia. For more information on staying well this winter visit nhs.uk/flujab

If you feel unwell don’t wait – get advice from your nearest pharmacist

At the first sign of a winter illness, even if it’s just a cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist, before it gets more serious. Act quickly. The sooner you get advice from a pharmacist the better. Pharmacists are fully qualified to advise you on the best course of action.

This can be the best and quickest way to help you recover and get back to normal. If you can’t get to a pharmacist yourself, ask someone to go for you or call your local pharmacy. You can find out which pharmacies are close to you by visiting the NHS we

Think ahead

Make sure that you have enough medication to last when your GP surgery may be closed. It’s important that you book any routine appointments with your practice in plenty of time and ensure that you have enough medication to last you over these times. Don’t use A&E as a back-up pharmacy, plan ahead.

 Know when NHS services near your home are open

A&E and GP aren’t your only options. Check out nhs.uk/ for your nearest pharmacy, walk-in centre or minor injuries unit. If you’re not sure what to do, contact the NHS111 online service at 111.nhs.uk or call 111. NHS 111 is available 24/7 and can guide you to the right service for your needs, including arranging out-of-hours GP appointments if necessary.

Cold outside? It’s the perfect excuse to eat well and wrap up warm

Periods of colder weather are still likely during March. Keep warm inside and out, by keeping active and having regular hot drinks and nutritious meals. If you have breathing problems even a small change in temperature can affect you. So, take extra care.

Citizens Advice Bureau Citizens Advice can help advising around available benefits. Call 0800 144 8848 if you need advice.

For help with living with asthma see nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/living-with/

• For help living with COPD see nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/living-with/
• For help living with type one diabetes see nhs.uk/conditions/type-1-diabetes/living-with-type-1-diabetes/
• For help living with type two diabetes see nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/food-and-keeping-active/
• For help living with heart failure see nhs.uk/conditions/heart-failure/living-with/