Gales, heavy rain and”strongest winds of the winter” warning for town

WITH gales and heavy rain expected in Warrington later this week and the Met Office warning of the “strongest winds of the winter so far”, the NHS is urging people to protect their health by stocking up on essential medicines, getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and reducing the risk of falls.

Chilly temperatures seen across the weekend are set to rise over the coming days, the Met Office has warned people to prepare for the “strongest winds of the year” with potential for the next named storm to be on its way.
Dr Michael Gregory, medical director for NHS England – North West, said: “We’re expecting some cold weather over the next few days and there are steps people can take now to help prevent illness and avoid injury caused by slips, trips and falls.
“This includes ensuring you stock up on essentials to help you and your family to cope with common complaints such as colds, coughs, stomach upsets, flu, and earache.

“Remember, if you do need health advice you can visit your community pharmacy or use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk This will mean that A&E and 999 services have more time to deal with serious and life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems, and serious accidents.
“It is also vital that we take the time to look in on our elderly relatives, friends and neighbours over the cold weather to ensure they are well, and avoid any deterioration in their health and any potential admission to hospital.”
Some basic winter health advice that everyone can use includes:
• Use paracetamol if you have a temperature caused by coughs, cold and flu.
• Paracetamol 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 for adults if they have an upset stomach.
• Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
• If you have prescription medication for asthma, other respiratory conditions or a long-term health condition remember to take them regularly as directed.
For some people, viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu and COVID-19 can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. The risk from these viruses is greater during winter when they circulate most as people spend more time indoors. Vaccines help reduce the risk of serious illness against these viruses and are offered to many people by the NHS for free ahead of colder months each year.
Vaccinations are our best defence against flu and covid-19 ahead of what could be a very challenging winter.
Other advice to help stay healthy over the cold weather, includes:
• Heat your home to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom.
• If you’re feeling cold, drink hot drinks regularly.
• Try not to sit still for more than one hour at a time. Moving even a little bit can help you to keep strength and mobility.
• Eating and drinking enough is also important. If you are finding it difficult to prepare and eat three big meals, try smaller ones throughout the day.
• A good idea is to draw your curtains in the evenings to reduce heat loss through windows, and tuck long curtains behind radiators so that heat isn’t trapped. And make sure warm air can circulate by keeping radiators and heaters clear – don’t put furniture in front of them or dry washing on them.
• Look after your mental health as well as your physical health go to Every Mind Matters for advice.
For more information about self-care options for common complaints, search NHS seasonal advice or Age Concern UK.