The NHS in Devon is reminding everyone of the simple steps they can take to protect their health this winter, including vaccinations, handwashing, and self-care to prevent winter illnesses and protect health.

Get vaccinated

Winter illnesses, including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are circulating widely, with emergency department attendances on the rise. We strongly encourage everyone eligible, especially the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, to come forward for their vaccinations for these infections. Vaccination will help reduce your risk of getting seriously ill this Christmas and New Year.

School-aged children in reception through to year 11 are also eligible for a free flu vaccine, delivered as a nasal spray in schools or as an injection for those with medical or faith exemptions. If your child missed getting a vaccine at school, they can get it at a catch-up clinic. Two and 3-year-olds (on or before 31 August 2024), as well as children aged 6 months to 2 years with certain health conditions, can also receive the flu vaccine through their GP.

Keep washing your hands

Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is circulating at higher levels than average so far this year as we all start spending more time indoors together with friends and family. 

Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces are effective ways to stop the spread of norovirus and other infections. Avoid preparing food for others if you have diarrhoea and or vomiting.

Give it a miss

If you do have respiratory symptoms such as a cough or sore throat, along with a fever, consider giving social gatherings a miss as it’s best to avoid close contact with other people, especially those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. If you do go out in crowded places, consider wearing a facemask to reduce your risk of infecting others.

If you’ve had diarrhoea and vomiting, avoid school or work for 48 hours after symptoms stop and do not visit loved ones in care homes or hospitals to reduce the chances of causing outbreaks in these settings. 

Practice self-care and use antibiotics responsibly

Getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, and taking over-the-counter medications are often effective ways to deal with common minor illnesses like colds, sore throats or coughs.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses, which are the usual cause of these conditions. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat bacterial infections in the future, so always listen to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist’s advice.

Protect yourself against cold weather this winter. The Met Office has given a cold weather warning for this week (1-4 January 2025). Maintain indoor temperatures of at least 18°C, particularly if you are older or live with elderly people, young children, or those with long-term health conditions. If you’re spending time outdoors, ensure you wear plenty of warm clothing.

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “No one wants their festive plans derailed by a bout of norovirus or flu. Take simple steps to reduce your risk of infections and their consequences this winter – including taking up all the vaccines you may be eligible for including flu, COVID and RSV.

You can also help reduce the risk of passing infections on to others through frequent handwashing and catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do try and avoid passing it on by staying away from work or school for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped and avoid visiting vulnerable loved ones, especially if they are in a care home or hospital.

Dr Collins added: “It’s vital that those who need medical help come forward as they usually would – using 999 and A&E in life threatening emergencies and 111 online for everything else, alongside their GP practices and pharmacies.

“Staff in our Devon hospitals are working hard to treat people as quickly and safely as possible, but there are things local people can do to help ease pressures and ensure that people with the most urgent needs can be cared for quickly.

“We are seeing increased numbers of people attending for minor injuries and ailments that can be quickly and easily treated elsewhere, so please choose the right service for your needs and only go to ED in an emergency.”

The message from the NHS in Devon is that urgent and emergency care is there when you need it, but please choose the right service for your needs. The advice for patients is to:

• Continue to call 999 in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk
• Go to NHS 111 online if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital; you can also phone 111
• Please check local hospital trust websites for information on Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres. Further information can be found here: Health Pressures – One Devon
• If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from 111.
• Play your part this winter by taking action to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. A first step is making sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked.
• Please pick up loved ones who are ready to be discharged from hospital.
• Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. Pharmacists can now provide advice and treatment for seven common illnesses including earache, sinus infection and sore throat. Details about local pharmacies be found via the interactive map here: Find a pharmacy

Local people can also help the NHS by:

• Not visiting loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water as this is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus
• Getting your flu vaccine from your GP practice or local pharmacy. Some people are eligible for the free vaccine, including over-65s, people with long term conditions like stroke or heart disease and pregnant people
• Getting the COVID-19 vaccine. People who are eligible for the vaccine are encouraged to attend one of the many walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics across Devon. No appointment is needed.