NHS Cheshire and Merseyside urges public to stay well this autumn

NHS services in Cheshire and Merseyside are experiencing increased demand as seasonal illnesses surge following the return to school and falling temperatures with the first autumn frosts. 

The combination of children returning to classrooms and temperatures dropping in recent weeks has led to a predictable rise in respiratory infections, including colds, flu and other seasonal bugs. 

Health leaders in Cheshire and Merseyside are encouraging residents to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families and reminding people that many seasonal illnesses can be effectively managed at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter remedies available from local pharmacies.

Professor Ian Ashworth, Director of Population Health, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: 

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“As children return to school and the colder weather arrives, we’re starting to see the rise of flu and other seasonal illnesses. While this trend is expected in the winter months, there are steps that families and children can take to stay well and help ease pressure on our healthcare services.

“Simple things we can all do to minimise the spread of germs and protect ourselves this winter include taking up the opportunity to get vaccinated when offered, washing our hands, and covering our noses and mouths when coughing and sneezing.” 

Find out more by visiting: www.simplethings-nhs.com

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is already reporting significant increases in viruses that cause the common cold, likely driven by the return of schools after the summer break. People testing positive for Rhinovirus, the most common viral infection and primary cause of the common cold, increased to 14.8% compared with 10.9% the previous week. Everyone is encouraged to practice good hygiene with regular handwashing and using tissues to reduce the spread. 

The NHS is also urging people to ensure they're up to date with their winter vaccinations, including flu and Covid jabs for eligible groups. 

The winter vaccination programme is already underway in Cheshire and Merseyside, where NHS teams have started giving flu vaccination to 2 and 3-year-olds and school aged children, and offering vaccinations for flu, RSV and whooping cough to pregnant women. Flu and Covid vaccines are also being rolled out to older adults and other eligible groups from 1 October.

Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: 

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“Respiratory infections are starting to rise, so we’re encouraging those who are eligible to come forward for their winter vaccines now to protect themselves and their families as we head into the winter months.

“Vaccination helps to reduce serious symptoms and offers the best protection against winter respiratory illnesses, which is why it’s vital that eligible groups get vaccinated. 

“If you have symptoms of flu such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. Staying healthy and taking simple steps to reduce the spread of illness, such as regular hand washing and disposing of tissues in bins, will ensure you, your children and wider family can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses this winter.”

Those with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD are advised to ensure they have adequate supplies of their regular medications and to follow their management plans carefully.

For non-emergency health concerns, people are encouraged to use NHS 111 first - available online at 111.nhs.uk, on the NHS App and by calling 111. 

Local pharmacies can provide quick and convenient expert advice and treatment for minor ailments and can also give prescription-only medicines for seven common conditions, covering sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, without the need for a GP appointment.

Having essential items on hand can make a big difference in managing minor illnesses at home and avoiding unnecessary trips to GPs or A&E. Make sure your medicine cabinet includes essentials such as pain relief, cold and flu remedies, throat lozenges, antihistamines, and basic first aid items like plasters and antiseptic cream. Most of these items can be easily purchased at your local pharmacy or supermarket. Don’t forget to check the expiry dates on your medicines and replace anything that is out of date.

For information about where to get winter vaccinations in Cheshire and Merseyside visit: www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/WinterVaccines

For more advice and information about seasonal health visit the NHS website.

Alternatively, for quick, trusted health advice direct to your mobile phone, follow the new NHS WhatsApp Channel. To sign up, just search ‘NHS’ under the ‘Updates’ tab in WhatsApp.