Make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked

Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet can be the best first line of defence against niggling cold weather illnesses, many of which are expected to become more common over the coming weeks.

Minor seasonal ailments, such as coughs, colds, sore throats and upset stomachs, are usually more prevalent during the colder months of the year, due in part to people spending more time indoors in close proximity to others, often with doors and windows closed.

Some people may also feel the effects of these minor winter illnesses more this year as natural immunity may have dipped during the national lockdown which stopped people from socialising for most of last winter.

Staying well throughout the autumn and winter can be made easier by keeping a supply of over-the-counter medicines in the home.

Painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin, can help with colds and flu by reducing aches, pains and high temperatures. Other medicine cabinet staples, such as oral rehydration salts, which can help prevent dehydration after a bout of sickness and diarrhoea, and antihistamines, which can sooth painful insect bites, also have a vital role to play.

Anti-diarrhoea tablets, cough medicine and digital thermometers are also handy items that people should consider having in their homes.

For when a problem cannot be managed at home, people should seek help and advice from a local pharmacy or the NHS 111 service, which is available online or over the phone.

Further details about self-care can be found online at www.nhs.uk