Brighton and Hove health chiefs issue chemist opening hours

Health chiefs have issued pharmacy opening hours for Brighton and Hove over the new year period.

They have also set out advice for people who suspect that they may have flu, particularly given concerns with the national death toll for swine flu rising.

Peter Wilkinson, a public health consultant for Brighton and Hove City Teaching Primary Care Trust, said: “People who feel ill but who are otherwise fit and healthy usually make a full recovery if they rest at home, drink lots of fluids and use medicines such as paracetamol to lower temperature.

“Local pharmacists can offer expert advice on the best remedies to take.

“If you have flu you should consult your GP if you are pregnant or have a medical condition which means you are at higher risk of complications or if your symptoms are getting worse or have lasted for more than a week.”

The trust – also known as NHS Brighton and Hove – said that the following steps could help during the winter months as seasonal illnesses increased:

Good hygiene helps to stop viruses from spreading. Always sneeze into a tissue and then put it quickly in the bin. Wash your hands and work surfaces regularly.
Have an up-to-date medicine kit at home. Your pharmacist can advise on what medicines it should contain.
It’s not too late to have a seasonal flu vaccination if you are in a group at higher risk of complications from the illness such as pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, children and adults with certain medical conditions such as asthma, heart problems and diabetes and main carers for older or disabled people. Contact your GP surgery and ask for your flu jab which will provide protection against swine flu and two other flu strains.
If you have a fever, high temperature and aching muscles, you might have flu. Most people will recover fully if they manage their symptoms at home but speak to your GP if you are pregnant or you have a medical condition which means you are at higher risk of complications or if your symptoms have lasted for more than a week or are getting worse. Visit www.nhs.uk for more information.
If you have the norovirus, sometimes called the winter vomiting bug, you will not usually need to see a doctor unless your symptoms worsen or you have an underlying condition that puts you at higher risk of complications. Rest at home, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol to relieve any symptoms of fever. Again, more information is available at www.nhs.uk.
Choose well – if you need support from the NHS, know where best to access the health care or advice you need. Your options include talking to your pharmacist about minor ailments, seeking advice from your GP or practice nurse, visiting a local NHS walk-in centre for treatment such as Brighton Station Health Centre in Queen’s Road which is open from 8am to 8pm every day or calling NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

The following pharmacies are open in Brighton and Hove over New Year

Saturday 1 January