NHS Cornwall Shares Advice to Help People Stay Well This Winter

With winter illnesses already on the rise, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board is urging people to take simple steps to keep themselves and others well over the festive season.

Winter viruses such as flu, COVID-19, colds, coughs and norovirus spread easily as we spend more time indoors. While most people will recover at home with rest and over-the-counter remedies, these illnesses can be more serious for older people, young children and those with long-term health conditions.

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB, said:
**“The first important step to keeping well this winter is ensuring you take up the vaccinations that you are eligible for. They are offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at increased risk of complications from flu and COVID viruses.

“If you do become unwell, please stay at home and avoid contact with vulnerable people. Simple actions like handwashing and resting can make a big difference. By working together, we can reduce the spread of winter bugs and help protect our health services for those who need them most.”**

Simple steps to stay well

The ICB has shared clear advice on how people can reduce the spread of illness in the run up to Christmas:

Get vaccinated
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines offer the best protection against becoming seriously unwell. Anyone eligible is encouraged to book their vaccination as soon as possible.

Stay home if you’re unwell
Avoid visiting hospitals, care homes or vulnerable people if you have symptoms of flu, COVID-19 or norovirus.

Practice good hygiene
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Hand sanitiser can help but does not work against norovirus.

Catch it, bin it, kill it
Use tissues for coughs and sneezes, dispose of them quickly and wash your hands.

Rest and recover
Most winter bugs can be managed at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Extra advice for parents

Parents are being reminded to keep children home from school or nursery if they show symptoms of flu, COVID-19 or tummy bugs.

The ICB advises:
• encourage regular handwashing
• offer plenty of fluids and rest
• seek help if symptoms worsen by calling NHS 111 or your GP
• avoid giving aspirin to children under 16 unless prescribed.

Where to get help in Cornwall

Pharmacies
Local pharmacies can offer advice and medicines, and many can treat minor conditions through the Pharmacy First service. These include earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throats and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. You can find your nearest pharmacy and check opening times online.

NHS 111
If you’re unsure what care you need, call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for free 24 hour advice, including support for urgent dental treatment and mental health crises.

Minor injury units
Cornwall’s MIUs can treat sprains, minor fractures, burns, cuts, bites and infections without the need for an appointment. Live waiting times can be checked online before travelling.

Urgent treatment centres
These are available at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance and at the Dartmoor building at Derriford and the Cumberland Centre in Plymouth.

Emergency department
For life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms or severe bleeding, people should call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department.

As Christmas approaches, the message from health leaders is simple: take precautions, look after yourself and help protect those most at risk this winter.