Talk to your pharmacist

Seek help at the first sign of winter illness, before it gets worse

Ask your pharmacist what medicines should be in your cabinet to help you and your family this winter.

Many over-the-counter medicines (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) are available to relieve symptoms of common winter illnesses such as colds, sinusitis or painful middle ear infection (earache).

And if you need prescription medicines, most pharmacists can now supply these for certain conditions, without you needing to visit your GP. Learn more about the Pharmacy First service on the NHS website.

To manage winter illness symptoms at home, you should keep warm, rest, drink plenty of fluids, have at least one hot meal a day to keep your energy levels up and use over-the-counter medicines to help give relief. For more information, speak to your local pharmacist.

Video: Local pharmacist Jess discusses the Pharmacy First scheme.