Westby Avenue: If you're ill get well soon

DID you manage to avoid being ill over the festive season? I didn’t. I wasn’t too bad, just a bad chest and my tonsils were bigger than usual. But I couldn’t believe how many people were suffering.

It seems that there are a lot of germs still flying around which has prompted a plea from NHS Rotherham for those suffering from coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms to stay at home unless it is an emergency.

Health chiefs have said that the Christmas period saw a sharp rise in the number of people attending accident and emergency and the walk-in centre at Rotherham Community Health Centre with cold and flu symptoms.

And with cases of flu and swine flu on the increase they have made a plea for people to treat themselves at home using over-the-counter remedies—unless advised otherwise by a health professional.

Kathy Wakefield, of NHS Rotherham, said: “A number of different strains of flu are continuing to circulate alongside coughs and colds, predominantly among those aged between 16 and 64, which is placing an increasing demand on health services in Rotherham.

“For most healthy people, flu remains an unpleasant but mild illness and generally they will recover in a few days after getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids and using over-the-counter remedies such as paracetamol.

“If symptoms show no signs of improvement after five days or are getting worse, then you should contact NHS Direct or your GP practice by telephone.

“Do not attend accident and emergency or the walk-in centre unless it is an emergency or you are told to do so by a healthcare professional.”

NHS Rotherham staff are also reminding people that the seasonal flu vaccination is still available for anyone in the at risk groups, which includes those with chronic conditions such as heart and kidney disease, asthma and diabetes, the over 65s and which this year also includes pregnant women.

Carers are eligible for the jab along with NHS and council staff across Rotherham who have contact with patients.

Anyone in these groups is urged to contact their GP practice to make an appointment as soon as possible.

So if you are suffering, do follow their advice which will ensure that you get the best possible treatment.

My message to all is get well soon and if you are ill, I hope you feel better soon.

For more information visit www.rotherham.nhs.uk or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.