Keeping well this winter

Winter is a busy time for hospitals. There are lots of steps you can take to keep yourself well enough to stay out of hospital. If you do become ill, then there are lots of places you can go for advice and/or treatment.

Take every precaution to stop the spread of winter vomiting and diarrhoea

Stop! Have you experienced nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea in the last 48 hours?

At this time of year, many people suffer from nasty stomach bugs including norovirus, sometimes known as winter vomiting disease. Norovirus is unpleasant and can come on suddenly, although most people will recover from it in a couple of days by caring for themselves and getting plenty of rest. Symptoms include nausea and/or vomiting and/or diarrhoea. If you have had any nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea in the last 48 hours, please do not visit the hospital. You may unwittingly pass this unpleasant bug to patients and others in the hospital. All hospital staff, patients and visitors must also wash their hands with soap and water before entering or leaving any clinical area. (Alcohol handrub does not kill these stomach bugs - only soap and water will do that.)

Reduce the spread of germs

You can reduce the chances of catching or spreading bugs by making sure you always cough or sneeze into a tissue (or the bend of your elbow, if tissues aren't available), disposing of used tissues straight away, and washing your hands regularly with soap and water. Soap and water are also the best way of reducing the spread of nasty stomach bugs such as norovirus (sometimes known as winter vomiting disease).

Stock up your medicine cabinet

Self care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries. A range of common winter illnesses and injuries can be treated at home by simply combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest. Stock up in advance on over-the-counter remedies such as:

  • Paracetamol or aspirin
  • Anti-diarrhoeal medicine
  • Rehydration mixture
  • Plasters
  • Thermometer

Remember if you are over 65 or have a long-term health problem, you can get a free flu jab from your GP.

Choose Well

Choose WellIf you do become ill and would like health advice and/or treatment, then there are a range of services that can help. Please remember that Accident & Emergency is for people who are becoming seriously unwell or need emergency treatment.

  • NHS Direct - 0845 46 47
    NHS Direct provides phone advice on what to do if you are ill
  • NHS Choices - www.nhs.uk
    If you have internet access, then you can get advice and information on hundreds of illnesses and injuries by visiting www.nhs.uk
  • Pharmacies - Your local pharmacy has qualified professionals who are experienced at advising people on how to treat common illnesses
  • Minor Injuries Unit, Altrincham General Hospital - the Minor Injuries Unit is run by experienced emergency nurses who can treat a wide range of minor illnesses and injuries. It is open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day and, on average, people are seen and treated in around 50 minutes. Opening hours are 8am-8pm Mon-Fri; 10am-6pm weekends and bank holidays. The unit is on Greenwood Street in Altrincham town centre
  • A&E, Trafford General Hospital - The Emergency department is for people who are seriously unwell or injured and need immediate treatment. During winter, it can be very busy caring for people with complex or long-term health needs exacerbated by the cold weather and seasonal bugs. If you are well enough to care for yourself or to seek help from NHS Direct, www.nhs.uk, a pharmacist, your GP or the minor injuries unit, then we would kindly ask you not to visit the Emergency department. This will enable us to focus on caring for more seriously unwell patients.