Torbay Council’s Public Health Team is supporting the Stay Well This Winter 2017/18 campaign.

We want to encourage people to keep an eye out for elderly relatives and neighbours and to support them in the cold weather to help them Stay Well This Winter.

Executive Lead for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Jackie Stockman, said: “Older neighbours, relatives, friends and other elderly members of the community are more vulnerable in the winter months and may need a bit of extra help this winter.

 “It is important to keep in touch and check if they are feeling under the weather, help them stock up on food supplies and make sure they have their necessary medications before the Christmas holiday or a spell of bad weather begins.” 

If you are a carer for an older or disabled relative or friend, there are a number of things you can do to help them to keep healthy this Winter:

•  It is important for people to keep warm – both inside and outdoors - as it can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems. Make sure they heat their home to at least 18°C (65°F), if they can.
•  At the first sign of a cough or a cold, make sure they get advice from their pharmacist before it gets more serious.
• Check with the pharmacist about medicines they should have in stock to help them get through the winter season, and make sure someone picks up their prescription medications before the Christmas holidays start, when many GPs and pharmacies will be closed.

The free flu vaccination is particularly important for everyone who is at increased risk from the effects of flu:

This includes people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions like COPD; bronchitis, diabetes; heart or kidney disease and for people who have suffered a stroke.

• Check whether you or someone you care for is eligible here: nhs.uk/staywell.
• If you are pregnant, flu can cause serious complications. Vaccination is the safest way to help protect you and your baby against flu. So don’t put it off, ask your GP, pharmacist or midwife about the free flu jab today, however many months pregnant you are and however fit and healthy you might feel.
• The flu vaccine for children from 2 to 8 years old is just a quick nasal spray. For children aged 2 and 3 their nasal spray vaccine is available through their GP. Schoolchildren from reception class through to year 4 will get their nasal spray through their school.

You are also eligible for free flu vaccination if you receive a carer's allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill (https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/who-should-have-flu-vaccine.aspx)

If you’re eligible for the free flu vaccine, get it now. It’s free because you need it. If you do need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111. Visit nhs.uk/staywell for more information.

The Stay Well This Winter campaign is a joint initiative from NHS England and Public Health England.