Author: Martin Driver

Bad weather can be a hazard for vulnerable people or those with long term health conditions.

Warnings

With weather warnings in place and frosty temperatures forecast for this week, Sefton residents are being asked to look out for their relatives, friends and neighbours, and to follow the NHS advice on keeping safe and well.

Keep warm

If you are aged 65 or have long term conditions such as heart or kidney disease, diabetes or breathing conditions, try to keep warm by heating your home to at least 18°C (65°F). You should also wear several layers of light clothes to keep warm, as multiple layers will trap warm air better than one bulky layer of clothing.

Keeping warm over the winter months can also help us all to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. Have at least one hot meal a day and have hot drinks regularly. Sefton has a Warm Spaces programme, with locations for individuals and families to visit to keep warm throughout the winter. You can view an interactive map and daily timetable of Warm Spaces across the borough as well as more information about the initiative at www.seftoncvs.org.uk/warmspaces.

If you do go outside during, cold, wet and windy weather, remember to wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and falls. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.

Be prepared

Ensure you have stocked your cupboards with food and medications in advance, to avoid going out in the bad weather. There are a variety of items available at your local pharmacy that you can have at home to keep healthy and treat minor illnesses, such as pain relief medications, lozenges, cold and cough syrups, antihistamines, and much more.

Cold weather can also increase your risk for respiratory infections such as flu and COVID-19 and getting vaccinated is the best protection against both viruses. It’s important to get both vaccines when you’re eligible.

Susanne Lynch MBE, head of medicines management for Sefton, said: “Help and advice is available from local pharmacies in Sefton, and through programmes such as Care at the Chemist where you can get treatment for minor illnesses without the need to visit your GP first.

“Cold weather can impact your health so it is important to check in on everyone in our local communities and if you do become ill we ask that you think about self-care, contacting NHS 111 for non-emergencies and speaking to your local pharmacist.”

Where to get help

If you have an urgent medical problem, but not an emergency, get help from NHS 111 by visiting: www.111.nhs.uk online, or calling 111. You can also access NHS advice and information at www.nhs.uk.

For urgent consultations, advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses in both children and adults, the Litherland urgent treatment centre on Hatton Hill Road is open 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm. You can make an appointment via NHS 111, or walk in without an appointment.

For treatment and medications without the need to visit your GP, the Care at the Chemist scheme is available in 31 participating pharmacies across Sefton, for common illnesses and conditions such as coughs, colds, fever, headaches, sore throat and many more. The medicines are prescribed free of charge for anyone who does not pay for their prescriptions. Those who do pay will be charged the current prescription charge, or lower if they are cheaper to buy over the counter.

If you are worried about keeping warm and paying your fuel bills you can contact the Council’s Affordable Warmth Service on 0151 934 2222 or the local Energy Advice Freephone line on 0800 043 0151.

Angela White OBE, chief executive of Sefton CVS said: “During the upcoming cold weather, we encourage everyone to look out for one another in our communities, especially for vulnerable residents and neighbours or those living alone.

“Encourage anyone vulnerable to come along to our network of Warm Spaces available across Sefton over the winter months for those who may be struggling to heat their homes. Some sites offer a ‘basic’ warm space whilst others offer an ‘enhanced’ warm space with food and activities.

“If you’re worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1602.”

Find out about Sefton’s network of Warm Spaces.

Data from UK Health Security Agency show that scarlet fever cases and group A streptococcus (GAS) cases continue to remain higher than would typically be seen at this time of year in the North West.

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious.

Symptoms

This means you should look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.

Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection. If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Rare circumstances

Dr Merav Kliner, Deputy Director, UKHSA North West, said:  “We are seeing a higher number of cases of group A strep this year than usual in the North West. The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics.

“In very rare circumstances, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive group A strep (iGAS). This is still uncommon however it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious.

“Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.”

Bacteria

Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci. These bacteria also cause other respiratory and skin infections such as Strep throat and impetigo.

In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive group A strep. While still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive group A strep cases this year, particularly in children under 10.

Investigations are also underway following reports of an increase in lower respiratory tract group A strep infections in children over the past few weeks, which have caused severe illness.

No evidence

 Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. The increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing.

 There are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs circulating. These should resolve without medical intervention. However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.

Parents

As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement.

Contact NHS 111 if or your GP if:

• your child is getting worse
• your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
• your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
• your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
• your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
• your child is very tired or irritable

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
• there are pauses when your child breathes
• your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
• your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up, or spreading, infections.

Group A Strep – What you need to know (UKHSA)