NHS South East urges people to stay well in the cold weather and use community services as flu hospitalisations continue to rise
With temperatures dropping and the number of people in hospital with flu in the South East increasing, the NHS is urging people to take simple steps to stay well this winter — and to make use of community services such as Pharmacy First for help with common conditions without needing a GP appointment.
The latest data has revealed 24% more patients were admitted to hospital with flu last week across the region compared to the previous week, (2,521 compared to 2,031), as the cold weather begins to bite.
Cold weather can increase the risk of serious illness, particularly for older people, young children, and those with long-term conditions, adding pressure to already busy NHS services.
Inderjit Sanghera, Regional Chief Pharmacist for NHS England South East, said: “Cold weather and rising flu cases mean many people are feeling unwell at this time of year, but help is often closer than they think, and many can avoid a trip to hospital.
“Pharmacy First allows people to access advice and treatment for a range of common conditions without needing to wait for a GP appointment or make a trip to hospital It’s quick, convenient and helps keep our urgent and emergency services free for those who need them most. If you’re feeling under the weather, your local pharmacist is a great first port of call.”
To help people stay well and reduce unnecessary demand on urgent and emergency care, the NHS is reminding the public that local pharmacies can now provide advice and treatment for a range of common conditions, including sinusitis, sore throats, ear infections, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
The NHS is encouraging people to:
- Keep warm indoors and outdoors, wearing layers and heating rooms to at least 18°C.
- Check in on older neighbours, relatives and those who may be vulnerable.
- Get the flu and COVID19 vaccines if eligible via community pharmacies or GP surgeries.
- Use Pharmacy First for minor illnesses and conditions that don’t require a GP appointment.
- Use NHS 111 online for urgent but nonlife threatening health concerns.
- Only call 999 or attend A&E for life-threatening emergencies.