Provided By: Liverpool Community Health
As the Merseyside region experiences its first real cold snap of the winter and temperatures plummet to below zero, Liverpool Community Health (LCH) NHS Trust is advising people to make sure they stock up on some medicine cabinet essentials.
Snow is forecast for some areas this week which could result in some people being stuck at home; and NHS hospitals dealing with additional numbers of people injured due to slips, trips and falls.
Paula Byrne, Community Matron in South Sefton, 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. It will also mean that A&E, 999 and GP services have more time to deal with serious and life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems and serious accidents.”
Some basic advice that everyone can use includes the following:
• Use paracetamols if you have a temperature caused by coughs, cold and flu
• Paracetamols 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 are recommended for adults if they have an upset stomach, and for them to get plenty of rest and to drink lots of fluids
Beverley Nwosu, Community Matron who works across Liverpool, advised: “There is a lot that people can do to care for themselves when they have common health complaints without needing to go to a GP; the majority of people with colds or stomach bugs will begin to feel better within 3-4 days.
“Your local high street chemist can give you advice on the best medicines to take for you and your family, so it is worth talking to them about medicine cabinet essentials.
“It is also important to note that antibiotics have no effect on conditions such as coughs, colds, flu or stomach upsets, so always read the instructions for any medicines, and do not take more than the recommended dose.
“If your symptoms suddenly deteriorate or fail to improve over a week, contact your GP.”
NHS organisations across the area are backing the Examine your Options campaign.
The campaign aims to reduce the number of people who go to A&E or dial 999 with common complaints such as coughs and colds.
If you feel that it’s not a 999 emergency, but that you need medical help fast, dial 111.
NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
For more information about self-care options for common complaints, visit www.nhs.uk.
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