Manchester GPs urge people to fight colds and flu at home, not at the doctor's surgery
Doctors say vulnerable patients - including the elderly, young children and people with conditions including asthma and diabetes should consult their doctor
GPs across Greater Manchester are uniting, to urge people to do their bit to help them keep our region ticking over this winter.
Doctors say people who are feeling under the weather with cold and flu symptoms should try to fight the illness at home, instead of visiting their GP.
They say a trip to the doctor for a minor condition like a cold can take up valuable time that could be spent treating a vulnerable person.
The elderly, young children and those with existing medical conditions, like asthma and diabetes, should still book to see a GP, as doctors say they are more at risk.
Danny Hedwat, a GP in Ancoats, said:
"They really can be quite horrible illnesses, but just staying off work if you need to and drinking lots of water and keeping warm can really help. It avoids spreading the illness to other people.
"If you didn't feel too unwell, or if you've got a bit of a cold or feel flu-ey then you should try staying at home, just stay in bed, drink lots of water, you don't necessarily need to pay a visit to your GP, chemist or pharmacist.
"The concern I have is when people, like young children - whose natural immune system may not be that strong - they increase the chance they will get quite poorly with a cold or flu and they're the people I would encourage to seek advice."
Advice includes:
Try your local pharmacy first if you’re feeling under the weather; they’re your fastest route to help and advice.
Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, and take all medicines that are prescribed to you.
Keep warm and eat well to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems – cold weather can be harmful, so heat your home to at least 18°C.
Look out for family, friends and neighbours who may be more at risk over winter.
Book a free flu jab if you’re a carer, over the age of 65, pregnant, have a long-term health condition like asthma or diabetes, or have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40:
- Toddlers aged 2 or 3 can get a free nasal flu vaccination at their GP surgery
- Children (from reception up to year five) can get a nasal vaccination at school, with the consent of a parent
Need urgent medical help? Unless it’s a 999 emergency, call the NHS helpline on 111 or go to 111.nhs.u