Flu Clinics
Flu campaign for 2021 will commence week beginning 6th September 2021.
Available appointments via online patient access service:
- Monday 6th September
- Tuesday 7th September – patients under 65 at risk conditions
- Wednesday 8th September
- Thursday 9th September
- Friday 10th September – patients over 65
The vaccination is free and recommended yearly for those who are most at risk of contracting influenza. This includes:
Patients at risk from the following:
- Asthma
- COPD
- CHD
- Diabetes
- Stroke/AF
and are in the age group from 18-64 years of age – contact the surgery to book your appointment.
Ladies who are pregnant can also book.
Patient at risk from:
- Asthma
- COPD
- CHD
- Diabetes
- Stroke/AF
and are over 65 years of age can book an appointment.
Pneumonia and Shingles Vaccinations
Patients who are eligible for the Pneumonia and Shingles Vaccinations can also book at the same time. Please speak to our Reception Staff who will arrange an appointment at the same time.
Coughs, Colds, ‘Flu’
Colds and influenza are caused by viruses. In three or four days your body will make enough antibodies to kill the virus. However, the virus may have irritated the lining of the breathing passages and this may cause a cough. A cough is not a bad thing: it is there for a reason. It helps defends your lungs by making sure that any secretions your tubes produce are coughed up rather than settling in the lower lungs where they would cause trouble. Similarly “phlegm” or “sputum” is there to act as a barrier to catch the dust and germs that we breathe in.
Assuming you are otherwise feeling well, you need not worry if your cough and phlegm takes two or three weeks to settle, especially if you are getting gradually better. Coughs may be worse at night because you are breathing in cold, dry air which irritates the breathing passages. Smoking or inhaling other people’s smoke makes coughs worse.
Your doctors will not prescribe antibiotics for coughs, colds and flu-like illnesses because they do not work against viruses. Antibiotics can cause side-effects. Some bacteria develop resistance to the antibiotic which can prevent it helping when it is really needed. Coughing prevents mucus from blocking the air passages. It can be dangerous to try to stop this with cough mixture.
Home Remedies
- The best treatment for adults is steam inhalations. Add a teaspoon of vapour rub or menthol crystals to a bowl of steaming water. Put a towel over head and bowl, and inhale for ten minutes. Do this four times a day.
- Humidify the air, especially in the bedroom. Boil a kettle once in the bedroom when there is a bout of coughing.
- Hot drinks can be soothing.
- Paracetamol (or soluble Aspirin for children over 12 years old) can be used if there is a fever. Please speak to a pharmacist who will be able to advise.
- Stop smoking and avoid smoky rooms.
When to See the Doctor
- If the coughing is accompanied by breathlessness or pain in the chest or lasts longer than 3 weeks
- If coughing produces blood.
- If coughing produced UNUSUAL yellow or green phlegm. The following complaints do not usually require antibiotics: Coughs, colds, hoarseness, sore throats, flu-like illnesses, acute bronchitis in young people and asthma.