Over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland are running the ‘Stay Well this Winter’ campaign as part of the latest Living Well initiative.
The campaign will run in October and November and is being done in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH).
Community pharmacies will offer advice and support on a wide range of winter illnesses and vaccines.
PHA principal pharmaceutical officer Andrew Cheung said: “The most common cause of winter hospital admissions is respiratory illness. Older people and those with long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or COPD are particularly vulnerable.
"This campaign aims to help the public prepare for the winter months by encouraging them to plan ahead and take positive steps towards better health and to help avoid the need for hospital admission by advising them on how to care for themselves.”
Joanne McMullan, community pharmacist at Portaferry Pharmacy, said: “Pharmacists are well-positioned in the community to offer advice and support about different health matters that may arise over the winter months.
"All colds and most coughs, sinusitis, earache, and sore throats get better without antibiotics. You should take your pharmacist or GP’s advice and only take antibiotics when you need them. Pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter medicines for most minor illnesses, so consider speaking to a pharmacist before going to your GP.”
To stay well this winter, people have been advised to carry tissues and use them to catch coughs or sneezes, then bin the tissue.
Regular hand washing, wearing warm clothes, eating regular hot food, and regular exercise can help people stay well during winter.
If you have a temperature, then take rest and speak to your pharmacist about over-the-counter remedies.
If you need more support, make an appointment with your GP.
