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Winter Newsletter 2024

Issue 70

As always at this time of year there seem to be quite a few coughs and colds about and we are all aware of the pressures under which the NHS is working.

However, there are a number of things we can do to avoid the need for a clinical appointment and I hope you find the information enclosed in this season’s edition is of help.

The PPG invite you to the talk we have arranged for February 2025, which is National Heart Month. We do have other talks in the pipeline for next year so please keep an eye open for the dates which we will issue as soon as they have been confirmed by the Clinical Experts who are giving them.

Sadly, I have recently witnessed some of the poor behaviour exhibited to our local pharmacy staff. I will make a plea for customers to try and be patient. I realise this can be difficult at times of stress but it was sad to see how rude some people can be towards those who are genuinely trying to help.

We wish you a very healthy and peaceful Christmas and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during our coming programme of health information talks.

Sue Lake
Chairperson, Budleigh Salterton Medical Centre PPG

In this issue

As always at this time of year there seem to be quite a few coughs and colds about and we are all aware of the pressures under which the NHS is working. However, there are a number of things we can do to avoid the need for a clinical appointment and I hope you find the information enclosed in this season’s edition is of help.

We wish you a very healthy and peaceful Christmas and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during our coming programme of health information talks.

Winter illness and self care advice

Cold

Cold Symptoms:

Symptoms of a cold are different from flu because they develop slowly and include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and a slight fever and can last up to 10 days. Colds are generally harmless infections that get better in time without the need to visit the surgery.

What can I do?

It is important you rest, eat healthily and drink lots of fluids. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with symptoms, your pharmacy team can help with symptom relief advice.

When to seek help:

Contact your surgery or NHS 111 if you have: a very high temperature or you feel hot and shivery • a long term medical condition, such as diabetes, or a heart, lung or kidney condition • a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy • chest pain • blood when you cough • difficulty breathing • swelling of the glands in your neck or armpits • symptoms lasting over 3 weeks.

Sore Throat

Sore Throat Symptoms:

Symptoms of a sore throat include a painful throat, especially when swallowing or a dry, scratchy throat and usually last 7 days without any treatment.

What can I do?

Suck lozenges, ice cubes or ice lollies – but do not give lozenges or hard sweets to young children • eat soft or cool foods • gargling with warm salty water can help reduce swelling and pain (children should not try this) • avoid smoking and smoky places • drink plenty of water • take pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen • if you need further advice on pain relief speak to a member of the pharmacy team.

When to seek help:

Contact your surgery or NHS 111 if: symptoms last more than 10-14 days, or get worse • you have a sore throat and a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery • you have problems swallowing and severe pain • you are dehydrated • you have a weakened immune system.

Cough

Cough Symptoms:

Coughing is common. 1 in 5 people will get a cough in winter. Symptoms can last up to 3 weeks, but in some cases can last up to 8 weeks.

What can I do?

People often use over-the-counter cough medicines, home-made remedies such as hot water with juice from a lemon and a teaspoon of honey can also help (not suitable for babies under 1).

When to seek help:

Contact your surgery or NHS111 if you have: • a cough lasting more than 3 weeks • chest or shoulder pain • blood when you cough • are breathless • have weight loss for no reason over the last 6 months • hoarseness or changes in the voice for longer than 3 weeks that continues once the cough is better • new lumps or swellings around your neck and above your collarbones.

Flu

Flu Symptoms:

For most people flu can cause unpleasant symptoms, but if you are in the "at risk" group flu can cause severe illness. Symptoms of flu develop quickly and include: a high temperature • aches and pains • tiredness • a headache • a dry chesty cough.

What can I do?

The flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to help protect against flu. It will also help reduce the risk of spreading flu to others. Rest, keep warm and drink plenty of water. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with aches and pains and bring down a fever. Antibiotics do not work on flu. Flu spreads through the air when you cough or sneeze. It can spread when you touch surfaces where the virus has landed, then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Washing your hands and wiping surfaces regularly can help to stop the spread.

When to seek help:

Contact your surgery if you or your child has flu and: you are worried about your baby’s or child’s symptoms • symptoms do not improve after 7 days • you are over 65 • you are pregnant • you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves • you have a weakened immune system – for example, from chemotherapy.

COVID

COVID Symptoms:

It is still important to be mindful of coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, which are the same for adults and children, similar to cold and flu and can include: diarrhoea • feeling sick or being sick • aches and pains • blocked or runny nose • high temperature • cough • loss or change to your sense of smell or taste • shortness of breath • feeling tired, or exhausted • headache • sore throat • loss of appetite. What can I do? Most people no longer need to take a coronavirus test. If you are eligible, it is important to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.

Who is at increased risk from COVID-19?

If you think you might have COVID: • drink lots of fluids • rest • wear loose clothing • take pain relief such as paracetamol • antibiotics will not help • stay at home and avoid contact with others if you have coronavirus symptoms and you: have a high temperature, or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities.

When to seek help:

Contact your surgery if: • your symptoms worsen • you're concerned about your symptoms • you have symptoms that you can no longer manage at home • you're worried about your child, especially if under 2 years. If your surgery is closed, call NHS111. In an emergency phone 999.

Use The NHS App

Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.

Find out more and download the app

Visit the NHS website to learn more

Budleigh Salterton Health Centre Charity

Staff and patients at the Budleigh Salterton Health Centre are benefitting from new equipment bought using donations from grateful residents of Budleigh Salterton and the surrounding villages.

Volunteer trustees, who manage donations and legacies to the health centre charity, have recently gifted a third adjustable examination couch. The couch, which cost £2706, is specifically made for general practice examinations and has an adjustable height making it easier for patients getting onto the couch regardless of their mobility.

The Budleigh Salterton Health Centre Charity chairman Philip Griffin said: “We have pledged to eventually replace all five of the old style couches in the surgery, as well as other equipment.

Recently we have funded a new wheelchair for use by patients with mobility issues who need assistance to and from the surgery from their transport.

Over the years, the charity has helped to pay for thousands of pounds worth of equipment above and beyond what is often found in GP surgeries.

“We aim to support requests from the medical staff to fund high quality equipment which enables them to provide excellent care for their patients – sometimes avoiding patients having to trek to places such as the Royal Devon University Hospital in Exeter for tests and treatment.”

Mr Richard Slade, kindly tried out the new couch and wheelchair with help from Donna, Senior Health Care Assistant.

Christmas and Mental Health

Christmas and New Year are often associated with excitement and joy but it can also be a difficult time, straining us mentally, emotionally, physically and financially.

There are many reasons why this time of year can be challenging. It’s okay if you’re not feeling full of joy during the festive season.

Be kind, look out for one another, and follow our top tips for managing your mental health this season.