Winter brings colder weather and more coughs, colds and flu. It can be a challenging time, especially for older people, young children and those with long-term health conditions.
The good news is that there are simple ways to protect your health and get the care you need.
Protect yourself with winter vaccinations
Flu and COVID-19 can make some people seriously ill.
Getting vaccinated, if you are eligible, is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
The winter vaccination programme in Northern Ireland offers vaccines to people who are at greater risk.
You may be eligible because of your age, a health condition, pregnancy or other circumstances. The groups offered each vaccine are not always the same.
- Check if you are eligible for the flu vaccine.
- Check if you can have a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Ask about other recommended vaccines, such as the RSV vaccine.
- Follow advice from your GP practice, community pharmacy or Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust about where to get vaccinated.
Find out about flu vaccination in Northern Ireland
Find out about COVID-19 vaccination
Your local pharmacy can help
If you have a minor illness, your community pharmacy is a good place to start.
Pharmacists can offer advice about:
- Coughs and colds.
- Sore throats.
- Mild aches and pains.
- Common winter illnesses.
- Medicines and how to take them safely.
They can also tell you if you need further medical help.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses such as colds and flu.
Find out how community pharmacists can help
Get the right care when you need it
Contact your GP practice
If you have a health problem that is not improving, or you are worried about your symptoms, contact your GP practice.
Use GP out-of-hours services
If you need urgent medical care when your GP practice is closed, and it cannot wait until the practice reopens, contact your local GP out-of-hours service.
You must telephone the service first. A healthcare professional will assess your needs and explain what happens next.
Find out how GP out-of-hours services work
Call 999 in an emergency
If someone is seriously ill or has a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
Keep warm during cold weather
Cold homes can affect your health, especially if you are older or have a long-term illness.
Try these simple steps:
- Keep your home comfortably warm, aiming for at least 18°C in rooms you use regularly if possible.
- Wear warm clothing and several layers.
- Eat regular meals and drink enough fluids.
- Keep active indoors when it is safe to do so.
- Check on neighbours, friends or family members who may need extra support.
Help stop infections spreading
Winter illnesses can spread easily when we spend more time indoors.
You can help by:
- Washing your hands regularly.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
- Putting used tissues in the bin.
- Staying at home if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell for normal activities.
- Letting fresh air into rooms when possible.
Plan ahead for your medicines
Christmas and New Year can affect GP practice and pharmacy opening times.
If you take regular medicine:
- Check how much you have left.
- Order repeat prescriptions before you run out.
- Allow enough time for your prescription to be processed.
- Only order the medicines you need.
GP out-of-hours services should not be used for routine repeat prescription requests.
Look after yourself and others
A little preparation can make winter easier.
Keep warm, take up vaccinations when offered, use your local pharmacy for minor illnesses and know how to get urgent help.
Together, we can help everyone stay well this winter.