NHS services this week are seeing high numbers of people with seasonal illness.

Families are encouraged to follow the simple ‘choose well’ guide:

• Treat minor cuts and grazes at home and keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet
• Visit a pharmacist for minor illnesses like sore throats, coughs or earaches – find pharmacy opening hours over the festive period
• Contact the GP practice for ongoing or non-urgent health issues – remember GP practices will be closed over the bank holidays but you can contact NHS 111 instead
• Visit a Minor Injuries Unit, Urgent Treatment Centre or walk-in centre for bumps, sprains, or rashes – see the graphic below for festive opening hours
• Use NHS 111 online or call 111 if you are unsure where to go

Vaccinations

Around half of eligible people in Sussex are still unprotected as flu hospitalisations rise.

Keeping loved ones safe and protected is everyone’s priority, and one of the best ways to protect yourself and others is to be vaccinated. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases.

Flu and Covid 19 Vaccinations

Flu

The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It’s offered on the NHS every year in the autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of serious illness from flu.

• Read more about the flu vaccine for adults.
• Read more about the flu vaccine for children.
• Read more about the flu jab in pregnancy

Covid 19 Vaccinations 

The COVID-19 vaccine offer is open to eligible people seasonally and year-round, including those newly diagnosed as immunosuppressed or at high risk. You will be contacted by the NHS via letter or text if you are eligible, with information on how to book.

• More information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Find out where COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available near you.

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

This year we have seen an increase in the number of people catching measles.

Measles is highly infectious and can spread very quickly. Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. More information about measles is on the NHS website.

The free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting people against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.

RSV

RSV, a leading cause of infant mortality around the world, is a common cause of coughs and colds but can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, which are highly dangerous to older people and young children.

The RSV vaccine helps protect against infection with RSV, a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill. It’s offered on the NHS if you’re pregnant, aged 75 to 79, or turned 80 after 1 September 2024.