Winter Bugs

The rise of illness during the winter season

With the winter season upon us, we are more susceptible to the bugs that unfortunately are in the air at this time of the year.

Colds and flu are the most common, with flu vaccinations available to people aged 65 and over, people with a weakened immune system, heart problems and diabetes. It is sometimes hard to determine the difference between colds and flu, as they have very similar symptoms. For this, there are many websites where you can check your symptoms. If you have any concerns about anything you can always ring 111 for advice.

Emma Sheakey, who has suffered with the norovirus already this winter, said, "The only thing you can do to make you feel better is to rest, and to try and drink as many fluids as you can manage to keep down. It's very contagious so try to keep away from as many people as you can too."



There are a number of other illnesses that are more frequent in the winter. The norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is at a high level this year. You can catch this bug anytime of the year, but it is more common in the winter. It usually clears up within a few days, but in rare cases can cause severe dehydration, especially in children and elderly people. If this occurs, hospitalisation may be needed.

Daniel Jukes, a pharmacy assistant, said, "We do see a significant rise in the winter months, of patients who need advice and drugs for flu symptoms, and the norovirus. If anyone has any questions on winter illnesses they should visit their local pharmacy for information."

The chart below shows the number of outbreaks of the norovirus in hospitals in the last season. 


Jason Farr, who has suffered with the flu this winter, said, "It's so easy to catch these bugs anytime of the year, but everyone seems to have them in the winter, and it takes longer to get rid of it. I was bed bound for two or three days."

As the NHS has to deal with more patients at this time of year, they have advised people how to stay well without the need to visit your GP or A&E, as the virus will spread quicker when visiting these places. Local pharmacies, and the NHS number 111, are the best points to visit when you need some advice and information.


The NHS website has a number of ways to keep well this winter to try and prevent these illnesses as much as possible. One of the most important ways to stay well is to keep warm. This can help avoid not just colds and flu, but heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. It would also be useful to check the weather updates as much as possible to see what the temperatures are going to be, so you can be prepared for very cold weather.

There are benefits in place to those entitled, which are the Winter Fuel Allowance and Cold Weather Payment. These help people pay their heating bills and if the weather is going to be very cold for seven consecutive days.

Here is a map of several local pharmacies in Sunderland the surrounding area.





 

4E2 /5qG�