Winter is here and flu cases continue to rise but it’s not too late to get protected in time for Christmas. Here’s how:

• get vaccinated: free flu vaccines are still available at GPs and pharmacies for eligible groups (NHS). It’s the best defence and getting vaccinated now will protect you in time for Christmas
• stay hygienic: wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and consider a mask in busy places
• know the signs: flu, Covid-19, and colds share symptoms. If you feel unwell, try to stay at home until you’re feeling better. Contact 111 for advice or dial 999 in an emergency.

If your child missed a flu vaccine or other vaccine in school, there are catch-up clinics across the city and county during the Christmas holidays. Visit our catch-up clinics page for more details.

People aged 75 to 79 years and pregnant women are also eligible for a free vaccine to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (NHS) which is common in winter and can cause serious illness

Book an appointment today to protect yourself and others this festive season.

More than 300 social care professionals, family members and friends, attended our second Proud to Care Awards at Colwick Hall in Nottingham.

In partnership with Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Care Association, the event was created to showcase the tireless dedication, energy and commitment of the social care sector across Nottinghamshire. Recognising those who work hard to ensure the people they support are safe, well and thrive in the place they call home.

Read more about the incredible winners and their achievements below.

As temperatures drop, it’s important to protect yourself and others from the health risks of cold weather. Vulnerable groups, including older adults, young children, and people with long-term health conditions, are especially at risk of becoming unwell when it’s very cold.

Simple steps like heating your home to at least 18°C, wearing layers, and checking on elderly neighbours can make a big difference.

If bad weather is forecast, try to plan ahead and make sure you have enough medication and food so you don’t have to go out. Stay informed by checking Met Office forecasts regularly.

With the festive season fast approaching, don’t forget to order repeat prescriptions in good time and get a flu vaccine if you’re eligible.

Visit the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) website for more seasonal advice.

In September, we were awarded the Carer Friendly Employer Award, recognising our commitment to creating a workplace where colleagues with caring responsibilities feel valued, supported, and empowered.

Jayne Davies and Helen Yates from the Nottinghamshire Carers Association presented Adrian Smith, Chief Executive, and our new Colleague Carer Champions, with the award.

Our Colleague Carer Champions are members of our workforce who are passionate about supporting carers in the workplace. They’re here to listen, connect, and help colleagues navigate the support available.

Nottinghamshire Carers Association is commissioned by Nottinghamshire County Council and others to support employers to become carer friendly.

We were proud to support World AIDS Day on 1 December. The annual campaign aims to raise awareness about HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and take a stand against stigma.

Many people with HIV feel healthy for years without knowing, so it’s important to get tested even if you don’t have any symptoms. With effective treatment, the virus becomes undetectable. You stay healthy and cannot pass it on, known as Undetectable=Untransmissible, or U=U.

You can get free and confidential sexual health advice, testing, and preventative methods such as PrEP, PEP and condoms from Sexual Health Services Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Call 0300 131 7010 or visit their website for more information.

As the weather gets colder, we’re spending more time indoors and heating our homes to keep warm. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people of the dangers of carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless gas produced by potentially malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances and less ventilation in the home.

There are simple steps you can take to protect your home and family:

• install carbon monoxide alarms and test them regularly
• use ventilation such as an extractor fan in the kitchen and when using fuel-burning appliances
• service your gas appliances and sweep chimneys every year
• watch for warning signs such as ‘floppy’ yellow or orange flames on gas appliances instead of crisp blue ones.

 Read the UKHSA blog for more information and advice on carbon monoxide.

Personal smart devices are transforming how Nottinghamshire residents manage health and social care at home. From smart speakers to wearables, and medication organisers, technology enabled care is providing personalised support for older adults with chronic conditions and disabilities to help improve their safety, wellbeing and independence.

If eligible, residents can receive four types of systems depending on their personal circumstances; telecare, standalone technology enabled care, short-term activity monitoring and long-term activity monitoring.

For more information about the services and devices available, visit Notts Help Yourself and keep an eye on our socials over the next few weeks.

The NHS has a range of services to support us all this winter. To get the right help as quickly as possible, it’s important to choose the right service for your needs.

• Self-care: the NHS App has information about treating common conditions at home.
• Pharmacies: can offer advice and treat minor illnesses such as stomach upsets, earache and allergies. Most can also supply prescription medicine if needed for conditions including a UTI, shingles, impetigo, and sinusitis, under the Pharmacy First scheme.
• NHS 111: if you’re feeling unwell and not sure where to go, telephone 111 or visit 111 online to receive medical advice or be directed to the most appropriate service by a trained operator.
• GP: contact your surgery for persistent symptoms or chronic pain.
• Urgent treatment centres: can help with breaks, sprains, minor burns and minor head injuries.
• A & E: life threatening illness or injury including severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, stroke and blood loss.