This in from IW NHS in their own words. Ed
All households across Island are to receive information about how they can stay well this winter as part of the national ‘Stay Well This Winter’ campaign. The campaign urges the public to:
- Make sure you get your flu jab if eligible.
- Keep yourself warm – heat your home to least 18 degrees C or (65F) if you can.
- If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s just a cough or a cold, then get help from your pharmacist quickly before it gets more serious.
- Make sure you get your prescription medicines before pharmacies close on Christmas Eve.
- Always take your prescribed medicines as directed.
- Look out for other people who may need a bit of extra help over winter.
The national household drop of an eight page pamphlet is being made between 26th October and 8th November.
Commenting on the ‘Stay Well This Winter’ campaign, Gillian Baker, chair of the Islands multi agency System Resilience Group said:
“We are making sure we give people the information they need to help them to look after themselves and also to know where to go for urgent advice – whether it’s pharmacies, NHS Choices, NHS111 or A&E.”
Many Islanders will have sympathised with Southampton pensioner Bill Palmer who spoke about the loneliness of old age to the BBC.
Gillian continued:
“It’s also critical we all do what we can to help others stay well. The elderly on the Island compose the largest group admitted to hospital in the winter. Many live alone and one third never or only occasionally socialise with family or friends. They, as a result are slow to seek help, and once ill often get too unwell. This is a golden opportunity for Islanders to look out for our neighbours and ensure they get any help they need.”
Professor Rida Elkheir, Director of Public Health at Isle of Wight Council says:
“In colder weather, keeping yourself warm is essential to staying healthy, especially for the very young, older people or those with a chronic illness. There are a range of health problems associated with cold housing and winter weather, but in particular, a cold indoor or outdoor environment can make heart and respiratory problems worse, and can be fatal. Our Island community is well supported by a range of organisations both voluntary and statutory who can provide the support needed by individuals.”
Annual flu vaccination
On 15 October the annual flu vaccination campaign started across England, encouraging parents of children aged 2-4 and in school years 1 and 2, pregnant women, 
people aged 65 and over and those with long-term conditions to take up the offer of the free flu vaccine. These groups are at particular risk of flu and vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect against flu and stay well this winter.
Flu is a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very suddenly; it can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death. Those who are eligible for the free vaccination should get it now. It’s free because you need it.
Stay Well This Winter campaign
The flu vaccination programme, is part of the Stay Well This Winter campaign, a wider joint initiative from NHS England and Public Health England which us supported by agencies across the Island, to help the public, and in particular those with long-term conditions and those over 65 prepare for winter and ward off common winter illnesses so they do not require a visit to the hospital.
Winter can be challenging on the health of these groups but there a number of things which can help prepare against the cold weather. Protect against flu by getting the flu vaccination, those over 65 and with long-term health conditions can receive this free from their GP or pharmacist.
Keep warm in winter
It is important to keep warm in winter – both inside and outdoors, so if possible keep homes at least 18°C (65°F) and at the first sign of illness, seek immediate advice and help from your pharmacist. Take prescribed medicines as directed and pick up any prescription medicines before Christmas Eve.
If you do need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or visit www.nhs.uk who can direct you to a local service that is open.
The Stay Well This Winter campaign can help you and your family prepare for winter. Visit the Website for more information.
More information about local services, particularly over the Christmas and New Year period, will be issued during November and December.
