WITH the festive season almost here, many of us are busy shopping for presents and planning get-togethers and holiday travel. But, have you thought about also stocking up on medicine cabinet essentials to make sure you’re prepared for the winter?
There are a lot of nasty bugs and viruses circulating at this time of year such as the flu, which is particularly harmful to people with long term conditions and those in at risk groups, including pregnant women, those over 65 and young children. Having the flu jab is one way to ensure that you don’t get caught out.
While the flu is a very serious illness, other minor illnesses and injuries can often be better treated more quickly elsewhere, instead of at the hospital.
Your local pharmacist can offer you free, qualified health advice at any time, and no appointment is necessary. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses and answer questions about prescribed and over the counter medicines.
All year round, pharmacists can also advise on giving up smoking and almost all have private areas where you can talk in confidence.
So, before the holiday schedule gets too hectic, check your medicine cabinet and make sure you have the following basics:
· Enough stock of your usual prescription medications
· Cold and flu remedies
· Anti-diarrhoea medicine
· Indigestion remedies
It’s also a good idea to order any repeat prescriptions that you may need during the bank holidays, ensuring that you pick these up in plenty of time and don’t leave it to the last minute.
Jane Foster-Taylor, Chief Nurse NHS Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The last thing anyone wants in the run-up to Christmas is to be ill. Unfortunately, every winter, colds, flu, stomach bugs and other ailments are all too common.
“By having the free flu jab, if you’re ‘at risk’ and stocking up on medicine cabinet essentials, a lot of people could avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor.”
