Protect yourself and your loved ones this winter
The NHS is here to help when you need it, but there are simple steps you can take to stay well this winter.
Protect yourself and your loved ones during the colder months by:
- getting vaccinated
- knowing how to access the right NHS services
- keeping essential medicine stocked
- and looking after your physical and mental wellbeing
Winter can be tough for many people across Surrey and Sussex and can place extra pressure on NHS services. Cold weather can make existing health conditions worse.
It can also increase the risk of serious illness, especially for older people, young children, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions. Even if you're generally fit and healthy, winter often brings seasonal illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, coughs and colds.
Use this page to find advice, support and services to help you stay well, get the care you need, and prepare for winter.
Winter vaccinations
Winter vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious illness during the colder months.
If you're eligible for a flu or COVID-19 vaccination, find out more about who can get vaccinated, when vaccinations are available and how to book, or book directly on the NHS website.
Book, change or cancel a flu vaccination appointment
Book, change, or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online
Stay Well This Winter
As well as making sure you're up to date with your vaccinations, taking early action can help you stay healthy and independent throughout winter.
Find information on:
- staying well,
- preventing illness,
- managing existing health conditions
- and accessing the right NHS services, to help you and your family throughout winter.
Manage long-term health conditions
If you live with a long-term condition such as asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or diabetes, take time to prepare for winter before pressures increase.
- Review your treatment or care plan.
- Attend routine check-ups and appointments.
- Know the warning signs that your condition may be worsening.
- Keep any personalised care plans, such as asthma action plans or COPD rescue packs, up to date and easy to access.
- Seek advice early if symptoms change or worsen.
Get advice early
Don't wait until a minor problem becomes more serious.
- Contact your GP practice if you need medical advice.
- Visit your local community pharmacy for support with common illnesses.
- Use NHS 111 for urgent medical advice and guidance.
- Speak to your care team if you're receiving ongoing support.
Keep you and your family well this winter
Order medicines in advance
Avoid running out of essential medication during periods of bad weather or increased demand.
- Order repeat prescriptions in good time.
- Check you have enough medication and medical supplies at home.
- Keep a small stock of basic medicines for common winter illnesses.
Keep yourself healthy
Simple steps can help reduce your risk of illness during the colder months.
- Keep warm at home and when outdoors.
- Eat well and stay hydrated.
- Stay active where possible.
- Take vitamin D supplements if recommended for you.
Look after your mental wellbeing
Winter can affect both physical and mental health.
- Stay connected with family and friends.
- Take part in community activities where possible.
- Access local wellbeing and support services if you need them.
- Make time for activities that help you relax and stay positive.
Plan ahead
A little preparation can make a big difference.
- Think about your health before you become unwell.
- Make sure you know where to get help if you need it.
- Keep important contact numbers and information easy to find.
- Take simple steps now to help prevent illness becoming more serious later.
Think Pharmacy First
Your local pharmacy can help with a wide range of common health concerns, often without the need for a GP appointment. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide expert advice, treatment, and, where appropriate, prescription medicine for certain conditions.
If you or your child have a minor illness, think Pharmacy First. You may be able to get quicker access to care, advice and treatment close to home.
Pharmacy First can help with:
- Earache (children aged 1 to 17)
- Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)
- Outer ear infections (aged 18 years and over)
- Low-frequency migraines (aged 18 to 64 years experiencing episodic migraines)
- Mild to moderate acne (young people and adults)
- Scabies and mild skin/soft tissue infections
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis (Hay fever) (children aged 4 to 11 years)
Why choose a pharmacy?
- No appointment is usually needed.
- Convenient locations with extended opening hours.
- Expert clinical advice from trained pharmacists.
- Treatment and medication may be available where clinically appropriate.
- Helps you get the right care quickly while keeping GP and emergency services available for those who need them most.