Have you got a winter plan?

Healthwatch Oxfordshire newsletter


Local people are being urged to have a personal winter plan so they are prepared when they start to feel unwell with a cough, cold or flu.

Personal winter plans should include:

Having a free NHS flu vaccination if you are eligible
Getting help early before your condition worsens
Getting repeat prescriptions in plenty of time before bank holidays
Finding out where your local minor injuries unit is located
Seeking advice from your local pharmacist
Having cold and flu remedies at home
Stocking up on winter food supplies
Getting your boiler serviced
Keeping your home heated to 18C
Having a list of emergency phone numbers handy by your phone
Keeping an eye on elderly or frail friends, neighbours and relatives
If you do fall ill, advice from your local pharmacist or NHS 111 can help. NHS 111 can now be accessed online via a mobile phone, tablet or laptop to get advice even quicker at NHS.111.UK.

If you need some help or advice with your mental wellbeing, you can contact Oxfordshire’s free 24-7 helpline on 0800 783 0119.

The Public Health England leaflet ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ provides advice on staying well in cold weather and covers issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyle, flu jabs and heating:

For more information about the flu vaccination, visit the NHS website.
For more information about how to stay warm and council services in Oxfordshire this winter, visit the Oxfordshire County Council website.
For more information on NHS 111 First, visit the OUH website.

This information has been taken from Healthwatch Oxfordshire's latest newsletter. You can read it here.

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