Advice on preventing and dealing with winter emergencies

With a cold snap predicted for the UK, Northampton General Hospital is advising people to plan ahead to reduce the risks of becoming unwell. 

Top tips for staying well this winter include:

Get expert advice

Always seek advice from your pharmacist at the first sign of a cough or a cold before it gets more serious.

Buy over-the-counter medicines

Many over-the-counter medicines (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) are available to relieve symptoms of common winter ailments such as colds, sore throat, cough, sinusitis or painful middle ear infection (earache).

Keep warm

Keeping warm, both inside and outdoors, over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. You should:

• Wear several layers of light clothes, as these trap warm air better than one bulky layer
• Heat your home to at least 18C (65F)
• Stay active – try not to sit still for more than an hour or so

Keep out the cold at night

Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights – breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections

For more information

• The Stay Well This Winter website provides a host of information about how you can reduce teh changes of being unwell this winter, including how to find your nearest pharmacy, advice if you're living with a long-term health condition and specific advice for pregnant women and parents of small children. 
• Advice about safe winter travel is available from TheMet Office   
• Northamptonshire County Council publishes lots of advice and information about preparing for winter emergencies