Sarah's Health Notes: Pre-holiday healthcare planning

It’s my usual going-up-to-Christmas plea for everyone to do some healthcare planning before the holiday is on us – and it does feel it’s coming like a bullet train…

This year I’m highlighting the necessity of checking that anyone taking medication has sufficient supplies to last until the first week of the New Year. There have been significant shortages of some essential drugs in the UK and it’s worth checking with your usual pharmacy and/or the clinical pharmacist at your GP practice. In any case, do make sure any regular prescriptions will be ready to collect in good time.

In an emergency - you are running critically low on medication or have already run out - contact your GP, clinical pharmacist or pharmacy immediately; they may be able to issue an emergency supply or temporary prescription to cover the gap. If you can’t contact any of these and have run out, the NHS 111 online service can help you get an emergency supply. All you need do is call 111, but you do have to be in the UK. More details here.

There is provision for people who have hearing problems so do check out the NHS 111 British Sign Language service available in your country, here.

Check your nearest pharmacy and hospital. But please do avoid going to A&E if you can.

Here are some more tips to safeguard everyone over the holiday:

First Aid Kit Make sure it has all the products you might need, including burn gel (very important for the cooks of the household). If you haven’t already got a kit in the cupboard (and don’t forget to take one with you if you’re on the move), you’ll find plenty in high street chemists or online.

Go for a comprehensive one such as this 220 Piece Premium First Aid Kit Bag/£29.99, which has all the usual stuff you might need plus ice packs (keep in freezer) and emergency blankets.

St. John Ambulance also has a range of kits, including ones for the workplace and specific kits for burns.

First Aid information It’s worth having a book to hand in case access to online information is compromised by power cuts. St John Ambulance First Aid Manual is my go-to.

For tickly coughs and sore throats, the recommendation is making your own hot lemon and honey drink – rather than buying a cough linctus. (Though I do keep a supply of Ricola Honey Lemon and Echinacea Cough Drops handy.)

For anyone who’s travelling in a confined space, and prefers to wear a mask, my preferred option is Silver Life Face Masks – here.

If you do get a nasty chest infection, please rest, rest, rest - the risk of some kind of post viral syndrome is higher if you don’t convalesce properly. NB doctors really want everyone to know that antibiotics will not work for viral infections.

Stay well, be happy.