Winter is approaching! Over the last few years we have experienced very severe weather conditions. We want you to remain well over the colder months so please take a moment to read the following leaflet.
Emergency Rescue Pack and Inhalers
Please order your rescue packs (antibiotics and steroid tablets), spare inhalers and nebules well in advance in readiness for any extreme weather conditions and for over the festive period. If you do have a flare up and need to use your rescue pack, follow the instructions in your COPD Action Plan.
Flu jab - You are at risk of seasonal flu! Make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible for your free flu jab. Don’t miss out!!!
Cold weather - Please be prepared for any very cold weather conditions. STAY IN - STAY WARM - STAY WELL!!
Eat well - Have plenty of hot food and drinks and remember to stock up on tinned and frozen foods so that you don’t have to go out too much when it is cold or icy.
Avoid coughs and colds - Try and avoid contact with friends and relatives with coughs and colds Remember that ‘coughs and sneezes spread diseases’.
Chronic Airways Support Team (CAST)
We will be available throughout the festive period; however visits could be delayed or cancelled in severe weather. In this situation all patients will receive a telephone call from the team if they had a planned visit.
If you have home Oxygen
Please place orders in time for Christmas due to a limited service from your provider. Also, if severe weather is expected please ensure that you have enough oxygen to meet your needs.
Keep active!
Many people with COPD reduce their activity levels to avoid becoming breathless. But if you do this you will become less fit and more breathless when you are active. Ask CAST or HOTS about Better Breathing activity classes for COPD. They are free - and fun!
It is important to us that you keep well this winter. Your GP should remain your first port of call if you get a chest infection this winter You can also contact CAST/Oxygen team on the numbers provided if you have any queries or are concerned about your chest.
Chronic Airways Support Team (CAST) - 0161 206 3165 or email castteam@nca.nhs.uk
Oxygen Team - 0161 206 0865 or visit www.blf.org.uk for more information.
Self Care: Lots of health problems can be treated just by looking after yourself.
Professional Health Services: Pharmacists, Doctors, Dentists and Sexual Health Advisors are all qualified to provide a range of medical advice and treatment.
Accident and Emergency: Accident and Emergency is there for serious or life threatening situations only.
Date of Review: March 2024
Date of Next Review: March 2026
Ref No: PI_M_1169 (Salford)