Stay Well This Winter – self-care advice
Stay Well This Winter – self-care advice
At Sky Blue Medical Group, we want to help you stay well during the colder months. Many minor winter illnesses can be managed safely at home or with advice from a community pharmacist. It is also important to know when to seek further medical help.
Flu vaccinations
Flu can be serious for some people. We are inviting eligible patients for their 2026/27 NHS flu vaccinations, including older adults, people in eligible clinical risk groups and eligible young children. If you have received an invitation, please follow the booking instructions. Eligibility and timing are set nationally and can vary by group.
https://www.skybluemedicalgroup.co.uk/get-your-flu-vaccine-2026
Managing coughs, colds and sore throats
Many coughs and colds improve without antibiotics. Rest, drink fluids and speak to a pharmacist about suitable medicines or symptom relief. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Seek further advice if symptoms are severe, worsening, unusually prolonged or you are worried, particularly if you are at greater risk of complications.
Pharmacy First and local pharmacies
Community pharmacies offer advice for many common health concerns. NHS Pharmacy First can also provide assessment and, when clinically appropriate, treatment for seven specified conditions: sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in eligible women. Clinical and age criteria apply, and not every patient or condition will be suitable. You can contact a pharmacy directly, or our team may refer you where appropriate. See our Pharmacy First webpage for more information.
https://www.skybluemedicalgroup.co.uk/nhs-pharmacy-first-get-help-from-your-local-pharmacy
Preventing the spread of infections
Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues promptly and clean commonly touched surfaces. If you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to do your normal activities, try to stay home and avoid close contact with others until you feel better.
Keeping warm and managing medication
Keep your home comfortably warm, eat regularly, stay hydrated and remain active where possible. Order repeat prescriptions in good time before weekends and bank holidays. If you are struggling to keep your home warm, NHS guidance can signpost you to available support.
When to get help
Contact your GP practice or NHS 111 if you need advice about symptoms that are worsening, persistent or concerning. Use NHS 111 online at https://111.nhs.uk/ if appropriate. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency, such as severe difficulty breathing, chest pain suggestive of a heart attack or signs of a stroke.
Useful NHS links
- Flu: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
- Keep warm, keep well: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/
- NHS pharmacies: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/
- NHS 111: https://111.nhs.uk/