nhs.uk/staywell

www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk

Your guide to healthin Sheffield

2016 Guide

Staying wellin winter

alth

Lorna Cousins, Nurse

Helping you to helpyourself this winterWelcome to your local Winter Well guide for 2015. Inside this booklet you’ll find lots of information that will help you stay healthy during the winter season. You will also find stay well tips and details about local services.

For more information on services in Sheffield, visit www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk/your-health or scan this QR code.

Winter conditions can be seriously bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 or over, and people with long-term conditions. We want to help protect you and those you care for.

Cold weather doesn't have to go hand in hand with illness. Here are some simple things you can do to help yourself stay well this winter.

Keep warm – this may help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia.

Eat well – food gives you energy, which helps to keep you warm. So, try to have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day.

Get a flu jab – flu vaccination is offered free of charge to people who are at risk, pregnant women, carers and some young children to ensure that they are protected against catching flu and developing serious complications.

This publication is printed on environmentally friendly paper; it is self financing and has been produced by support from the advertisers. © Copyright 2015 Area Health Information Services Ltd - Tel: 01253 894436. The accuracy or content of any advertisement is not warranted by this NHS Group, nor does this NHS Group endorse or guarantee any of the products or services advertised, except any advertisement expressly relating to our products or services

Have you had yourflu jab yet?If you’re eligible for the flu vaccine, getting it can be one of the single best things you can do to stay well in winter.

The flu virus strikes in winter and it can be far more serious than you think. Flu can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and it can be deadly.

If you’re 65 or over, have a long-term health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease, flu can be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek help early.

Contact your GP if you’ve not yet had your flu jab.

What is flu?

Influenza or ‘flu’ is an infectious and common viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes, and it's not the same as the common cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses, and symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer.

Flu causes a sudden high temperature, headache and general aches and pains, tiredness and a sore throat. You can also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a cough. If you’re generally fit and healthy, the best treatment is to rest, stay warm and drink plenty of water.

Children and Flu

Flu can be very unpleasant for children, they have the same symptoms as adults. Like vulnerable adults, some children may develop deadly complications of flu.

In the autumn/winter of 2015/16 the annual nasal spray flu vaccine has been made available for children aged two, three and four years old plus children in school years one and two. Please contact your GP if your child falls into this category and hasn’t been offered the spray.

Flu mythsThere are many myths surrounding flu and the flu vaccine. Here are some common ones and the truth behind them.

• Having flu is just like having a heavy cold - A bad bout of flu is much worse than a heavy cold

• Having the flu vaccine gives you flu - No, it doesn't. The injected flu vaccine that is given to adults contains inactivated flu viruses, so it can't give you flu.The children's flu nasal spray vaccine contains live but weakened flu viruses that will not give your child flu

• Once you've had the flu vaccine, you're protected for life - No, you aren't. The viruses that cause flu can change every year, so you need a vaccination each year that matches the new viruses

• I'm pregnant, so I shouldn't have the flu jab because it will affect my baby - You should have the vaccine whatever stage of pregnancy you are in. If you're pregnant, you could get very ill if you get flu, which could also be bad for your baby

• I've had the flu already this autumn, so I don't need the vaccination this year - You do need it if you're in one of the risk groups. As flu is caused by several viruses, you will only be protected by the immunity you developed naturally against one of them

• If I missed having the flu jab in October, it's too late to have it later in the year - No, it's not too late. It's better to have the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available, usually in October, but it's always worth getting vaccinated before flu comes around right up until March

• Vitamin C can prevent flu - No, it can't. Many people think that taking daily vitamin C supplements will stop them getting flu, but there's no evidence to prove this

How to handle commonwinter illnessesColds – to ease the symptoms of a cold, drink plenty of fluids and try to rest. Steam inhalation and vapour rubs can also help. Prevent colds from spreading by washing your hands thoroughly, cleaning surfaces regularly and always sneeze and cough into tissues, throwing them away after use.

Sore throats – a sore throat is almost always caused by a viral infection, such as a cold. Try not to eat or drink anything that’s too hot, as this could further irritate your throat; cool or warm drinks and cool, soft foods should go down easier.

Asthma – a range of weather-related triggers can set off asthma symptoms, including cold air. Covering your nose and mouth with a warm scarf when you’re out can help.

Norovirus – this is also known as the winter vomiting bug because more people usually get it in winter. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, aching limbs and a raised temperature. The main thing to do to is drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You can also take paracetamol for any aches, pains or fever and if you feel like eating, eat foods that are easy to digest.

Norovirus can’t be cured and you just have to let the virus run its course. It isn’t generally dangerous and most people make a full recovery within a couple of days, without having to see a doctor.

Tips to help stop the virus spreading include: Washing your hands frequently; Avoid contact with other people, in particular those who are at high risk such as patients in hospital or nursing homes; Don’t share towels; Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce; Disinfect or wash contaminated objects, surfaces, clothes and bedding

Keeping warmkeeps you wellKeep warm this winter both inside and outdoors. Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F).You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer.

Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights. Because breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections.

Keep active when you’re indoors. Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so.

Wear several layers of light clothes. Because they trap warm air better than one bulky layer.

Make sure you’re receiving all the help that you’re entitled to. Learn how to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating and keep up with your energy bills at www.gov.uk/phe/keep-warm

And check your heating and cooking appliances are safe. Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they’re operating properly.

A guide to a well-stocked medicine cabinetMost common winter ailments, such as a cold, sore throat, cough, sinusitis or painful middle ear infection (earache), can’t be treated with antibiotics.

Have you got these in your medicine cabinet?A lot of illnesses or symptoms, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains can be treated in your home by using a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Stock up with:

• paracetamol• aspirin• ibuprofen• anti-diarrhoea medicine• re-hydration mixtures• indigestion remedies• plasters• and a thermometer

Please do not give aspirin to children under 16 as this can cause serious complications in children.

Use antibiotics wiselyAntibiotics are important medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria, they do not work for infections caused by viruses. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need to can lead to antibiotic resistance. The more often we use an antibiotic, the more likely it is that bacteria will become resistant to it.

To find out more about the best use of antibiotics, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/antibiotics or speak to your local pharmacist.

Avoid falls this winterDuring the winter season when it is dark, wet, and icy stay safe by taking some essential precautions to avoid slips, trips and falls.

When going out:

• Plan ahead; give yourself sufficient time and plan your route

• Early mornings and late afternoons can be darker and may be icy

• Wear well-fitting shoes that provide good support and grip

• A walking stick can provide extra support and help with balance

When indoors:

• Ensure your home is warm, as cold muscles do not work well

• Remove trip hazards, such as electrical cords, and clutter from stairs and walkways

• As we get older, we need more light to see, so ensure your home is well lit

• Rails on both sides of the stairs are helpful, along with grab rails in the bathroom and toilet if needed

• Ensure your indoor footwear is well fitting and supportive

Make sure you have a means of calling for help or attracting attention if you have a fall indoors; there are a variety of alarms and call systems available.

It is important to let your GP, nurse or therapist know that you have had a fall. They will arrange for you to receive a falls assessment and advice on how to reduce the risk of it happening again. This might include providing equipment or making some changes to your home such as rails or grab handles.

Nominate your Community FriendThe winter season can be challenging at the best of times. It can be especially challenging if you’re alone and have no one to support you.

The winter ‘Community Friends’ scheme which was launched last year, is run by NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and supported by NHS Choices. The scheme’s aim is to create a spirit of neighbourliness to help bring communities together. With the help of the community, the CCG is trying to:

• Bring back the old fashioned sense of neighbourliness

• Help make winter a better time for somebody else

• Recognise the contributions made by the local community

• Battle loneliness

The CCG is looking for people who have gone above and beyond to look after a neighbour or friend through the winter months. All of the nominated ‘community friends’ will receive a certificate, as a thank you from their nominee and the NHS, for the input that they’ve had in helping someone maintain their independence, mental and physical health this winter.

For more information, visit www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk andclick on the ‘involve me’ tab or email sheccg.comms@nhs.netor call 0114 305 1212.

Healthwatch Sheffield wants to hear from you!Healthwatch Sheffield is here to help adults, children and young people influence how health and social care services are designed and run.

You can tell us about your experiences of using:-

• Health services (doctors, dentists, opticians, pharmacies and hospitals)

• Social Care (residential homes, care at home, personal budgets etc.)

We use the feedback you give us to make recommendations to the organisations who design, buy and provide our local services.

We also offer information and advice on health and social care services and where to go for them.

We are independent, not-for-profit, and our services are free for the public to use.

Get in touchCall: (0114) 253 6688

Text: 0741 524 9657

Email: info@healthwatchsheffield.co.uk

Write: Healthwatch Sheffield, The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield, S1 4FW

www.healthwatchsheffield.co.uk

‘I think I need some health advice’ – would you think Pharmacy First?Winter can make existing health problems worse. So if you feel like you’re coming down with something, even if it’s just a cough or a cold, don’t wait until it gets worse. Act quickly. The sooner you get advice from a pharmacist the better.

Many pharmacies are open evenings, weekends and bank holidays – no appointment needed!

Your local pharmacists are fully qualified to advise you on the best course of action. They can offer expert advice and treatment for many common illnesses such as:

• Aches and pains

• Tummy upsets

• Itchy skin conditions

• Simple eye infections

• Thrush

• Colds and flu

• Nappy rash

Sheffield pharmacies offer a number of NHS services such as help with stopping smoking, flu vaccination, and emergency contraception. Your pharmacist can also advise you about other NHS services and refer you if necessary.If you can’t get to a pharmacist yourself, ask someone to go for you or call your local pharmacy.

Do you know where togo when you’re unwell?The NHS in Sheffield comes under increased pressure over the winter season. More people become ill or injured during this season compared to any other time of the year. This means that services are in great demand.

Most people use A&E appropriately but some people turn up to A&E with minor ailments such as coughs, cold and stomach bugs. Please remember, our emergency services should only be used in very serious or life-threatening incidents.

A lot of people who attend A&E could be treated more appropriately and quickly at other services like the Walk in Centre, the Minor Injuries Unit, GP or local pharmacist. You can also get advice by ringing NHS 111 if you’re unsure about what to do or which service might be for you. It’s always important to consider your condition or illness before making a decision on which type of service you need.

For more informationvisit our website www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk/Your-Health.

You can also download our smartphone app by searching your app store for ‘NHS Sheffield’ or scanning this QR code.

We all have a responsibility to make sure that we use our NHS services in the right way to help everyone receive the right treatment quickly and safely.

Help us to help you.

Making it easier to see a GPGP practices in Sheffield are working together to test a range of ways to improve access to general practice. This includes:

• Urgent GP and nurse appointments on weekday evenings 6pm-10pm and at weekends 10am – 6pm from four ‘satellite units’ across the city*. These units are staffed by GPs who work in Sheffield

• Practices working together to offer more same day appointments for urgent needs

• Community pharmacists working within practices to support patients with medication issues

• Providing online tools to support patients in managing their own health needs

• Additional GP capacity for patients that are housebound and need urgent medical attention

* If you urgently need to see a GP or nurse at evenings or weekends, you will need an appointment. These are made through your usual practice, or through the Out of Hours Service via 111.

In the winter months when GP practices are often busier, this will make it easier to get urgent health advice when you need it.

The schemes are being tested by Primary Care Sheffield, an organisation formed of GP practices across the city, working together with a range of partners.

To find out more about Primary Care Sheffield and the schemes being tested visit www.primarycaresheffield.org.uk

This winter Sheffield City GP Health Centre, which provides the City’s NHS Walk-in Centre, will be launching their new Support & Advice hub.The Support & Advice Hub is a dedicated area of the health centre which is open to the public looking for help and advice on how to manage their health and wellbeing. Patient Advisors will be on hand with information on specific health concerns, self-care tips or advice on lifestyle improvements. The centre will be offering a schedule of workshops for patients and carers which will focus on how looking after yourself can improve and prevent a variety of different health concerns, including long term conditions. The team will also signpost patients and carers to local support groups, support sessions, drop-ins and services available in their local community. The hub is available to everyone.

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Quick guide to alternatives to Accident and EmergencyRing your GP - if the surgery is closed your call will be diverted to the out-of-hours GP service.

NHS 111 - phone 111Available 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Sheffield NHS Walk-in Centre (Adults and children)Phone 0114 241 2700Rockingham House, 75 Broad Lane, Sheffield, S1 3PBOpen 8am - 10pm, 365 days a year.

Sheffield NHS Minor Injuries Unit (Adults only)B Floor, Royal Hallamshire Hospital,Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2JFOpen 8am - 8pm every day - no appointment needed.

Emergency eye care service (Adults only)Phone 0114 271 2495 (eye casualty)Available Monday - Friday 8am - 4.30pmExcept Wednesday 9am - 4.30pmRoyal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2JF

Emergency eye care service (Children under 16)Children should be taken to the Sheffield Children’sHospital Emergency Department with eye emergencies

Urgent Dental Care line (Adults and children)Phone 111Available day and night, 365 days a year for urgent dental care.