Every autumn the counter at Malpas Pharmacy gets busier, and the pattern is fairly predictable. Coughs and colds arrive first, then the flu season proper, then the winter flare ups of long term conditions that were perfectly stable in August. Very little of that is inevitable, and a small amount of preparation in October tends to make January far easier.
Get vaccinated early rather than late
Flu protection takes around two weeks to develop, so having the vaccine in October or early November means you are covered before flu starts circulating widely in Newport. Waiting until you hear that flu is going around usually means waiting too long. Eligibility for the free NHS vaccine covers older adults, pregnant women, carers and anyone with a long term condition such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, call us on 01633 855686. Checking takes a minute and we would rather answer the question than have someone assume they are not eligible.
Keep a sensible medicine cupboard
A well stocked cupboard saves a trip out when you feel dreadful. It does not need to be elaborate.
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen, checked against any medicines you already take
- A simple cough preparation and throat lozenges
- Oral rehydration sachets, particularly if there are children at home
- A working thermometer
- Plasters, antiseptic and any regular medicines with plenty of supply left
Check expiry dates while you are there. Bring anything out of date to the pharmacy and we will dispose of it safely.
Order repeat prescriptions before the holidays
Bank holidays and surgery closures cause more medicine shortages than anything else in December. Order a week earlier than you normally would, and order through the app so the request reaches us without a phone call or a trip out in the cold.
The patients who sail through winter are rarely the healthiest ones. They are the ones who planned in October.
Look after the basics
Warmth, sleep, hydration and movement do more for winter immunity than any supplement on our shelves. Keep the main room you use at a comfortable temperature, eat regularly, and get outside in daylight when you can, even briefly. Vitamin D is worth considering between October and March for most adults in Wales, and we are happy to advise on a suitable dose.
Know when to ask for help
A pharmacist can assess and advise on a wide range of everyday illnesses without an appointment. Come and speak to us if a cough has lasted more than three weeks, if a temperature is not settling, if breathing feels harder than usual or if someone frail is not eating and drinking normally. We will treat what we can and refer you on quickly if you need a GP or urgent care.
See prices, appointment times and what to expect.
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