VALE residents are being encouraged to take better care of themselves and their families over winter when seasonal illnesses increase.
Doctors have reported an increase in winter ailments such as colds and flu.
They say if you do get a cold often the best treatment is staying at home, keeping warm and drinking plenty of fluids.
Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen can also reduce your temperature and ease any aches and pains.
Over the counter medicines can also help with symptom relief and a pharmacist can offer advice if it’s needed.
Family doctors also say it’s worth remembering that antibiotics don’t work on most winter illnesses like colds and flu as these are viral infections and antibiotics don’t work against viruses.
If you need further advice, you can call 111, the free NHS Service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for fast medical advice when it’s not an emergency.
This can include arranging an out-of-hours GP appointment.
Visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/keep-warm-keep-well for more.
