Following lockdown and social distancing, this year’s flu season was always going to hit hard, and new figures for the week leading up to New Year’s Day reflected levels of demand not seen since the start of the COVID pandemic.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, the NHS National Medical Director, said:
“We knew this winter would be one of the most difficult in the history of the NHS and I want to thank staff for all their hard work in caring for and treating so many patients while dealing with record demand on services, including the enormous pressure from flu and COVID.”
With the NHS under a great deal of pressure, community pharmacies have been stepping up to meet demand, offering over the counter medication and professional, thoughtful advice to those who are struggling with flu symptoms. When you’re feeling under the weather, your local pharmacist is a great place to start - and you can usually reach them over the phone if your symptoms would prevent you from popping in for a conversation.
Every pharmacy team has the right training to make sure you get the help you need, even when the symptoms suggest it’s something more serious. Before you visit your GP or other healthcare professional, your pharmacist might be able to help you with medication to help with coughs, colds and the flu, and can give you general health advice too. As qualified healthcare professionals, your pharmacy team will help you discover how best to keep you and your family well.
“The plans we announced last autumn will help ensure we are in the best place possible to provide care for patients at this incredibly challenging time, with extra call handlers in place, and community services established to help keep people out of hospital where possible.”
It’s not too late for eligible groups to get vaccinated, with over 375,000 vaccine appointments available next week. To find out what your community pharmacist offers, simply give them a call and ask if you can receive a flu or COVID vaccine. There’s often no need for an appointment with a pharmacist, so you can pop in at a time that’s convenient for you.
“It remains vital that people make the most of services like 111 online and as ever, only use 999 in an emergency, and it’s also crucial that those who are eligible come forward for flu and COVID vaccines as soon as possible.”
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Help take the pressure off the NHS at this difficult time by speaking to your pharmacist when you first notice symptoms of cold and flu. Your local pharmacy team will give you the guidance you need to keep you and your family feeling well this winter.