Local NHS bosses are reminding people not to leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions and to plan ahead for the August bank holiday.

Bank holidays can be busy as you catch up with friends and family to make the most of the last long weekend of the summer. A few simple steps can save time and help avoid an unnecessary trip to A&E.

Some pharmacies will remain open offering help, advice or treatment for minor illnesses, like diarrhoea, a runny nose, a cough, or a headache. Health bosses are also urging the public to make sure they plan ahead and order any prescriptions they need in advance.

If you need advice and treatment for some common conditions you can now get support via the community pharmacy extended care service.

The service allows you to visit a local pharmacy instead of their GP for advice and treatment for conditions including Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), acute bacterial conjunctivitis, impetigo and infected insect bites.

The UK Health Security Agency has found that there are a lot more cases of norovirus than usual for summer, with lab reports 70% higher than average.

We are reminding people that if they have been sick with norovirus, they should avoid visiting hospitals and care homes, and not return to work or school, until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

Hand gels do not kill norovirus, so handwashing with soap and warm water is best. Using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop the virus from spreading.

Read the UKHSA blog for advice on what to do if you catch norovirus and how to stop it spreading.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is advising pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system to avoid eating ready-to-eat cold-smoked or cured fish, such as smoked salmon, smoked trout and gravlax. 

The risk of serious illness from listeriosis increases with age, so the FSA is also advising older people to be aware of the risks associated with eating these products. 

Cases of listeriosis from smoked fish remain rare overall. If you have eaten any these products recently, you do not need to do anything unless you get symptoms of the infection. These include a high temperature of 38C and above, aches and pains, chills, feeling and being sick, or diarrhoea. Contact NHS 111 or your GP surgery if you are unwell and pregnant or have a weakened immune system and you think you could have listeriosis. 

If your child is going into Year 8 at school this September, they’ll only need to have a single #HPV vaccine jab to give long-lasting protection.

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on Sunday 10 September and this year’s theme is “creating hope through action.”  We will be sharing stories of people’s lived experiences in the days leading up to WSPD.

We will also be signposting people to the support, resources and events taking place to help you, or somebody you know who may be struggling.

Are you looking for benefits or general cost of living advice? Our benefits team now offers regular, free face-to-face sessions at various venues across the county.

The team offers advice, guidance and ‘better off’ calculations to ensure you are receiving the benefits you are entitled to, to help maximise your income.

The covid-19 vaccination programme is now entering its third autumn season. Vaccinations help to provide protection against severe illness, admissions to hospital and deaths. This autumn the vaccine will be offered to people at high risk of serious disease should they catch covid-19.

Over the coming weeks, the flu vaccination will also be made available for anyone who falls within the eligible groups over the coming weeks.

The NHS is expected to confirm details on how and when those who are eligible can access their vaccinations shortly.