Winter wellness

If you're at greater risk from COVID-19 and flu it's important to get the extra protection of vaccination in winter.

You're eligible for free flu vaccination and COVID-19 booster if:

• You're aged 65 or over
• You're pregnant
• You have a weakened immune system
• You have a long-term health condition that puts you at greater risk

To find out more about winter vaccinations and how to book an appointment, visit the NHS website.

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are infections of parts of the body involved in breathing, such as the sinuses, throat, airways or lungs. Most RTIs get better without treatment, but sometimes you may need to see a GP.

Symptoms of an RTI include:

• A cough – you may bring up mucus (phlegm)
• Sneezing
• A stuffy or runny nose
• A sore throat
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Breathlessness, tight chest or wheezing
• A high temperature
• Feeling generally unwell

Things you can do yourself

Most RTIs pass within one to two weeks. You can usually treat your symptoms at home:

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of water to loosen any mucus and make it easier to cough up
• Drink a hot lemon and honey drink to help soothe a cough (not suitable for babies under 1 year old)
• Gargle with warm salty water if you have a sore throat (children should not try this)
• Raise your head up while sleeping using extra pillows to make breathing easier and clear your chest of mucus
• Use painkillers to bring down a fever and help ease a sore throat, headaches and muscle pain
• Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities

To find out more, visit the NHS website.

If you’re a parent, young person or you’re pregnant, visit the Healthier Together website for further information, advice and resources on common illnesses, including advice on what symptoms to look out for and where to seek help if required.

Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

The NHS recommends some top tips for keeping warm this winter:

• Heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom
• It's best to keep your bedroom windows and curtains closed at night to keep the heat in
• Wear several layers of clothing – this will keep you warmer than one thick layer

Residents of Southampton that are concerned about keeping their homes warm this winter can also get in touch with the Southampton Healthy Homes Service for free advice and support.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued some useful information on what you need to know about Group A Strep and what to look out for in the children you care for.

These bacteria usually cause a mild infection including sore throats or a characteristic cluster of symptoms that begins with a sore throat, headache, and fever, followed by a pinkish or red, sandpaper-like rash on the chest and abdomen 12-48 hours later, that gives rise to the name of the infection as Scarlet Fever. The illness can affect children of all ages.

It is important that parents speak to their GP, use NHS 111 online, or call NHS 111 if they think they have a child with Scarlet Fever so the infection can be quickly treated with antibiotics, and this will help prevent it from worsening.

Group A Streptococcus can on occasion cause more severe illness if it gets into the blood stream. Parents and carers should trust their instincts when they think their child is seriously unwell and seek urgent medical advice.

Spread of infection can be prevented by good hand and respiratory hygiene (catching sneezes in disposable tissues, placing them in the bin, and washing hands), and by keeping away from others when feeling unwell.

Further information can be found on the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) website.

If you're at all uncertain about your child's health and need some advice or reassurance about what to do, visit the Healthier Together website or download the Healthier Together app.

Many people are being deeply affected by the rising cost of living and it can be very hard when you don’t feel in control of your money. Whatever your concerns may be, we've put together some helpful information based on Southampton's cost of living top five checklist:

• Claim what you can
• Be scam aware
• Keep warm this winter
• Access food support
• Look after your mental health - it's ok not to be ok

For information about the support available in the city and from government please visit our Cost of Living Information webpages.

Winter can be a difficult time of year with the colder, darker days, and for those experiencing sadness, loss, loneliness or worry.

If you, or someone you know, are struggling with your mental health, help and support is available.

You can also find a list of local, national and online mental health support services and resources on our website.

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing an emotional crisis, phone Samaritans for free from any phone on 116 123.