The festive season should be about joy, family, and celebration rather than spending time in A&E. Yet every winter, hospitals see a surge in avoidable visits caused by seasonal illnesses and accidents. At Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL), we’re asking everyone to do their bit to stay well and help the NHS care for those who need it most.
Here’s how you can keep yourself - and A&E - off your Christmas list:
Stay Healthy Through the Festive Period
Cold weather and busy schedules can make it easy to skip healthy habits. But keeping active and eating well is your best defence against winter bugs.
- Fill your plate with colourful fruit and vegetables, as well as some plant-based options.
- Cut down on smoking, vaping, and alcohol, which weaken your immune system.
- Make sure you have stocked up your store cupboard with cough medicines, tissues, painkillers and Calpol – they will be vital in providing initial treatment and keeping those sniffles and sore throats at bay so make sure they’re readily available for you as and when you need them.
- Anti-inflammatory gels, antihistamines and indigestion relief will also all play their part in combatting any of those over-indulgences or seasonal aches and pains.
Get Protected, Get Vaccinated
If you’re eligible for a flu jab, book it now. Vaccination protects you and those around you, especially vulnerable family and friends.
Respiratory-illness vaccines are available for people aged 75 and over and pregnant women, helping protect older adults and newborn babies.
Choose the Right Care for Your Needs
Most winter illnesses, such as colds, flu, and stomach bugs, can be managed safely at home.
- ‘Catch it, bin it, kill it’ for coughs and sneezes.
- Wash hands thoroughly, especially after sickness or using tissues.
- For advice on symptom relief, speak to your local pharmacist - they’re experts in minor illnesses and play a crucial role in the healthcare system. Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, they can treat and recommend medication for conditions such as impetigo, infected insect bites, earache, sore throat, sinusitis, urinary tract infections and shingles.
Antibiotics won’t help with viral infections, so focus on rest, hydration, and simple remedies like honey and lemon drinks. If symptoms persist, you feel short of breath, have chest pain, or a high temperature that doesn’t settle, seek medical advice. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, NHS 111 is available online or by phone.
Look Out for Each Other
If you’re unwell, avoid contact with babies, older people, or anyone with underlying health conditions. This helps prevent spreading infections to those most at risk.
Use Community Support
Staying warm and eating well can be tough for some households. Wigan Council offers Warm Spaces and advice on affordable food options - check their website for details. These resources are here to help, so please use them if you need to.
Help us help you
By staying well and using the right services, you’re supporting the NHS to care for those who need it most and keeping A&E off your Christmas list. You can find out the best services for your needs at the Get to Know Where to Go Website here