Tips for a healthy half term | News and events

With the number of reported cases of Norovirus already double the usual for this time of year, the local NHS has issued advice to keep medicine cabinets and first aid kits well-stocked to prevent minor illnesses and injuries from disrupting half term plans.

For most, winter illnesses will be mild and can be self-treated at home with rest, over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen, or with help and advice from a pharmacist. A well-stocked first aid kit of bandages, plasters, sterile dressings, medical tape and tweezers can help prevent a trip to the pharmacy, GP practice, minor injury unit or urgent treatment centre.  

If medical support is needed for a minor illness or condition, local community pharmacies will be able to help in many cases – including through the Pharmacy First initiative, which helps patients get treatment for seven common conditions without needing a GP prescription. These conditions include earache, urinary tract infections and sinusitis. Since its launch earlier this year, there have already been almost 44,000 Pharmacy First consultations in the area, helping people get the support they need without a visit to their GP.

For urgent advice for a medical concern that is not a life-threatening or limb-threatening emergency, people can use 111 online or call 111 24/7, free of charge, anywhere in England.

Carol Anderson, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said:

By taking simple steps like keeping your medicine cabinet and first aid kit well-stocked, you’ll be able to treat minor illnesses and injuries from the comfort of your own home. If you do need help with a medical issue, consider using your nearest community pharmacy or NHS 111 for advice. 

Also, if you’re planning to go away this half term, be sure to order and collect any repeat prescriptions in advance, to avoid running out. This can be easily done through the NHS app or NHS online, with many GP practices offering the option to order via their website.

Further information on local services and how to stay well this autumn can be found on our dedicated webpage: Well Together This Autumn .

Latest advice on treating common illnesses can be found on NHS.uk or by downloading the NHS APP .