Novel coronavirus update
Latest information and advice and sources for further details.
Posted under "Flu and Health"
Simple steps to reduce the spread of Norovirus
The NHS are reminding people of the simple steps they can take to reduce the spread of norovirus in their communities, and ultimately play their part in protecting people for whom a simple case of D&V could be much more serious.
25 million to be offered free NHS flu jab this winter
The health service in England has prepared for its largest ever flu protection drive to help keep people well and ease pressure on urgent care services over the colder months.
NHS England urge people to wrap up warm this winter
This week we felt temperatures across the South West plummet and as we prepare for freezing fog and icy temperatures NHS England are reminding people of the simple steps they can take to stay warm and well this winter.
NHS England’s winter campaign encourages patients and NHS staff to work together and Help Us, Help You by following advice from health care workers to help us help you stay well, prevent illness and take the best course of action to get well again sooner.
No-one wants norovirus for Christmas
With only 12 days to go until Christmas Day, Public Health England is urging people across the South West to protect themselves and their loved ones against the winter vomiting bug norovirus by taking simple steps to stop the spread of the virus, particularly to vulnerable people.
The Flu Jab: Have you had yours?
As the long nights draw in and temperatures drop, doctors are promoting the opportunity for people to get the free flu vaccination to avoid the winter illness. On average, flu kills around 8,000 people a year in England.
Flu is highly infectious and caused by viruses that spread from person to person. The viruses are constantly changing and this is one of the main reasons why people should be vaccinated annually.
NHS England says patients with long term health conditions need a flu vaccine
NHS England is calling on people with long term health conditions to make sure they have
the flu vaccine as soon as possible.
Patients with asthma, diabetes, heart, liver, kidney or neurological disease are more at risk of
becoming seriously ill from the virus than the general population.
More patients in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire to benefit from expert advice from pharmacists at their GP surgery
More patients in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire will soon be able to benefit from expert advice from a clinical pharmacist when they visit their GP surgery, thanks to the expansion of a national scheme to support a growing number of clinical pharmacists to help with patients’ routine medication and treatment.
NHS England has announced that over 700 more GP practices in England will benefit from having a pharmacist located in their GP surgery, covering up to six million patients and helping to free up GP time.