Coughs, colds, flu and COVID19
Respiratory infections can spread easily between people. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading your infection to other people:
You can find information and advice here:
More advice for children;
Reduce the spread of infection
To avoid spreading infections: if you are unwell, try to stay at home and keep away from other people, especially those more likely to become unwell. Tell people who need to come into your home that you have symptoms.
For more information: how to wash your hands and ventilation to reduce the spread of infections
Vaccinations
Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves against infection.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines
Each year the flu vaccination changes. And immunity decreases over time so if you’re eligible get boosted to top up your protection from COVID-19. NHS vaccines are free for those most at risk of getting seriously ill.
To find out about more ask your pharmacist, call NHS 111, or visit: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/
Pneumonia, shingles and RSV vaccines
You may also be eligible for other vaccinations to help protect against serious illnesses that are more common in the winter. Find out about the Pneumonia, Shingles and RSV vaccines.
Flu vaccines for children
Flu vaccines are also offered to children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions e.g asthma. Most eligible children will have this given via a nasal spray. Preschool children get their vaccine via their GP practice and school-aged children receive theirs at school.
For more information: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/
Norovirus
Also known as the winter vomiting bug, Norovirus spreads very quickly and causes vomiting and diarrhoea in people of all ages. Having Norovirus is very unpleasant but not generally dangerous and most people make a full recovery within a couple of days.
If you have symptoms, make sure you stay away from work or school until you’ve been symptom clear for two days. Be especially careful to avoid visiting hospitals or care homes and passing on the bug to others.
For more information, including when to seek help, visit:
How to stop norovirus spreading, NHS Norovirus and diarrhoea and vomiting pages.
Good infection measures like handwashing can help to prevent you catching norovirus as well as other bugs.
Common childhood illnesses
For local advice and guidance, the free HANDi paediatric app, can help check your child’s symptoms for any common illnesses. Find out more / download: HANDi app
It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school, nursery or playgroup when they’re unwell. These guidelines for schools and nurseries include useful information about managing infectious diseases: Managing infectious diseases in schools and childcare facilities
Pharmacy first
Your pharmacist can also give free advice on treating minor health problems, such as sore throats, ear infections and aches and pains. Most pharmacists (Pharmacist First) can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions including impetigo, infected insect bites, ear ache, sinusitis and urinary tract infections.
Find your nearest pharmacy here
Keep antibiotics working
Antibiotics are only useful for treating serious bacterial infections. They won’t work on viruses such as COVID-19 or the Flu. Using antibiotics when we don’t need them puts future use of antibiotics at risk. Therefore you will only be prescribed them if you really need them.
Prescriptions
Make sure you order your prescriptions regularly, especially before a bank holiday. Find our what pharmacies are open here: NHS England and NHS Improvement South West
Sexual health
For sexual health clinic opening times and free emergency contraception for under 25s, visit the Devon Sexual Health website.
If you are housebound
There may be healthcare services available to you at home such as dental checks and eye tests. Call or visit NHS 111 to find out more. Some services provide additional support for people newly discharged from hospital, those at risk from falls, or worried about a friend or relative with early signs of dementia.
Looking after your wellbeing
It can be especially hard to look after our mental health in the Winter months. Here are some ideas to boost our mood, with links to extra help if and when we need it:
Torbay Community Helpline can also help with support around wellbeing: 01803 446022
Help and advice for Carers
If you are a carer it’s important you take care of your own health as well as those you care for.
These webpages also have information about practical support available for carers:
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As well as the sources of help listed here, the Torbay Community Helpline is open to Bay residents for help with anything from financial advice to wellbeing support. Call 01803 446022