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SUMMER HEALTH, SELF CARE AND NHS SERVICES
Communications pack
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Context
Target audiences
Key overall messages
Key messages for parents
News releases
Other communications channels
Appendices
1. Context
Peaks in NHS activity during the summer months are seen to be linked with people
experiencing a variety of seasonal ailments, such as sunstroke, allergies, minor
injuries and food poisoning and an increased number of children attending A&E.
This summer communications information pack has been developed as a resource
to provide themes, facts and statistics, key messages and information to use with
stakeholders, partners and local media.
The aim is to provide coordination and consistency in messages about key summer
health issues and NHS services.
2. Target audiences
While it would be of benefit for all age groups and demographics to be aware of the
summer health messages, we would particularly like to target:
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Parents of school age children
People going on holiday
Young adults.
3. Key overall messages
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It’s much quicker and pretty straightforward to look after yourself if you have a
common complaint, such as upset stomach, sunburn, bite or sting or a minor injury
such as a cut or sprain. Visit a local pharmacist for confidential advice and treatment
to put you on the fast track to feeling better, there’s no need for a prescription or
unnecessary A&E wait.
Accident and emergency is for life threatening injuries and serious, immediate health
problems. These include major loss of blood, chest pain, stroke, severe abdominal
pain, broken bones, breathing problems, serious eye injuries.
For most people, common complaints such as an upset stomach, sprains, strains
and aches, sore throats and colds will start to clear up within a few days to a couple
of weeks.
There are a number of NHS services you can use to treat less serious injuries and
illnesses. To find your nearest service and get further advice call NHS 111 or visit
www.nhs.uk
4. Key messages for parents
Having an ill child can be a scary experience, but often the best person to help your
child quickly is you. Understanding more about common childhood illnesses and
injuries can help you feel more confident in knowing what to do. Further information
is available at www.nhs.uk
Parents often get worried about temperatures, coughs and minor injuries, such as
sprains and cuts. But with some advice from your pharmacist and the use of some
stock medicines and first aid kit, you can often manage to make your child feel better
at home.
5. News releases
It is assumed that other NHS organisations, local authorities and other partners
would prefer to produce their own news releases in line with lead responsibilities and
local knowledge/need.
To assist with this, facts, stats and articles about common summer ailments are
provided in appendix C.
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6. Other communications channels
Content for websites/intranets/newsletters
Themed content / articles in appendix A include:
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Sunburn and heat exhaustion
Confident care from mum and dad
Don’t let allergies take the spring out of your step
Passports and paracetamol
Summer health
Parenting websites
A number of sites offer localised content depending on user preference and location.
All feature discussion forums/threads, local advertising and sponsorship opportunities
and would be useful for sharing information about self care, sun care, use of services
and allergies.
The most widely used sites include:
www.parentdish.co.uk
www.netmums.com
www.mumsnet.com
Social media
Themed messages for social media, including Twitter, are included in appendix B
The messages can be localised where appropriate or necessary and partner
organisations can be encouraged to retweet and use the same hashtag.
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APPENDIX A – COPY FOR WEB/INTRANET OR NEWSLETTERS
1. CONFIDENT CARE FROM MUM AND DAD
Having an ill child or dealing with a minor injury can be daunting, but parents are
often in the best position to help their child get better quickly. Understanding more
about common childhood injuries or illnesses can help you decide what to do.
High temperature
High temperature is a normal response to fight a virus or infection or to cool the body
down and does not harm your child. Children with a persistent high temperature (40c
or above) who have other symptoms – see below – could have a more serious
infection but most will not.
You can usually lower your child’s temperature using paracetamol and / or ibuprofen
and removing some of their clothing. Sponging with cool water can make children
shiver, which can actually raise their temperature. However, sponging with lukewarm
water may help.
Cuts and gashes
Children are always playing and exploring, and getting cuts and scrapes. If there’s a
lot of bleeding, press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth, such as a tea towel or
flannel. If you don’t have one, use your fingers. Press until the bleeding stops – may
be 10 minutes or more.
If possible, raise the injured limb to help stop the bleeding. (Not if you think the limb
might be broken, in which case seek medical help). Cover the wound with a clean
dressing. If blood soaks through, leave the dressing there and put another over the
top.
It’s very unusual for a wound to cause serious blood loss. But if the cut keeps
bleeding, or there’s a gap between the edges of the wound, take your child to
accident and emergency or a minor injury unit. If there is a possibility of a foreign
body (e.g. a piece of glass) in the cut, go straight to A&E.
Sprains and strains
These are very common injuries, especially during physical games and sports.
A sprain is when ligaments have been stretched, twisted or torn and often happens
in the knees, ankles, wrists and thumbs. Symptoms can include tenderness/pain,
being unable to use the joint normally or put weight on it, swelling and bruising.
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Strains are when muscles stretch or tear and are common in the legs and back.
Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, spasms and temporary loss of
function in the affected muscle.
Generally, a sprained joint should be moved as soon as it is not too painful, whereas
a strained muscle should ideally be kept still for a few days.
Most sprains and strains can be cared for at home using PRICE therapy (protection,
rest, ice, compression and elevation). Painkillers, such as paracetamol, can help
and the affected body part will usually be back to normal within a few weeks.
You should take your child for medical advice if the pain is very severe, they cannot
put any weight on the injured area, it gives way when they try to use it, the injury
looks crooked/has unusual lumps or bumps (other than swelling) or there is
numbness or coldness in any part of the area.
Sickness and diarrhoea
Sickness and diarrhoea are common in school age children.
Diarrhoea usually lasts for five to seven days, and for most children it will stop
within two weeks. Vomiting often lasts for one to two days, and in most children it will
stop within three days. Ask your pharmacist or GP for advice if your child is taking
longer to get better.
To stop dehydration, give your child plenty of clear drinks (such as water or clear
broth). Avoid fruit juice or squash, which can make things worse. Only give your
child food if they want it.
Don't give anti-diarrhoeal drugs, as they can be dangerous. Oral rehydration
treatment from your pharmacist can help.
Help to prevent germs spreading by using separate towels for your child and
reminding everyone in the family to wash their hands after using the toilet and before
eating.
Don't return your child to their school or childcare until at least 48 hours after the last
episode of diarrhoea or vomiting.
Insect bites and stings
Bites and stings are normally harmless and usually only cause minor irritation by
becoming red, swollen and itchy for a few days.
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You can easily treat them by washing the area with soap and water and placing a
cold compress (a flannel or cloth soaked in cold water) over to reduce swelling.
Tell your child to avoid scratching to reduce the chance of infection. If they are in
pain, or the area is swollen, use paracetamol or ibuprofen.
See a GP if there's a lot of swelling and blistering of the area or if there's pus, which
indicates an infection.
In rare cases, some people can have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a
bite or sting. Dial 999 for an ambulance if your child experiences :
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difficulty breathing or swallowing
nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
dizziness or feeling faint
confusion, anxiety or agitation.
Coughs and colds
Colds are very common - normal, healthy children can have eight or more colds a
year. Young children often develop a chesty cough because they have smaller
airways. This can be worrying but is often not a chest infection - a child with an
infection will generally be more unwell.
Colds normally last 7-14 days and are not helped by antibiotics - green discharge
from the nose (snot/phlegm) does not indicate an infection. While coughing can be
irritating and take a while to go, cough syrups probably do not help and antibiotics
aren’t needed. Keep your child’s throat lubricated and their body hydrated with
regular drinks of water and encourage them to rest.
Burns and scalds
Immediately place the area under cold running water to take the heat out of the skin.
Don't do this for longer than 10 minutes, as babies and toddlers can get too cold. If
there’s no running water, immerse the burn or scald in cold water or any other cool
fluid, such as milk or a cold drink.
Use something clean and non-fluffy, like a cotton pillowcase or clingfilm, to cover the
burn or scald and reduce the danger of infection.
If your child’s clothes are stuck to the skin, don’t try to take them off. If the burn is not
calmed by the above actions, don’t put any ointments or creams on, as it will have to
be cleaned off before the area can be treated. Depending on how severe it is, see
your GP or go to a minor injuries unit or accident and emergency department.
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Blisters will burst naturally. The raw area underneath needs a protective dressing.
Ask your pharmacist or practice nurse for advice.
In all cases, if you are still worried about your child after caring for them at
home, get further advice from your GP surgery or by calling NHS 111. In an
emergency situation, dial 999 for an ambulance.
Signs of possible serious illness:
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Your child is very drowsy or irritable and doesn’t improve after taking
paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Your child has problems breathing – e.g. rapid breaths, short of breath or
’working hard’ to breathe (which sometimes looks as though the skin below
the ribs gets sucked in when they inhale).
Cold or discoloured hands or feet with a warm body.
Unusual skin colour (pale or blue around lips)
Persistent high temperature (40c or above) which does not come down with
treatment.
An infant who is not feeding or any child showing signs of dehydration.
2. SUNBURN AND HEAT EXHAUSTION
Most of us enjoy spending time in the sun and but, despite the advice, it still seems
Brits can still be prone to overdoing exposure to the sun’s rays. It’s easy to
underestimate your time to the sun and not realise you’re getting burnt.
While sunburn is usually short-lived and mild, it's important to avoid because it can
increase the chances of developing skin cancer in later life.
The first thing to do if you or your child has sunburn, is to get out of direct sunlight as
soon as possible.
Cool skin by sponging it with cool water or by having a cool bath or shower –
applying a cold compress to the affected area may also help.
Drink plenty of fluids to bring temperature down and prevent dehydration.
Apply a water-based cream, emollient or petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) to keep
skin cool and moist. If necessary, take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Try to avoid all sunlight, including through windows, by covering up the affected
areas of skin until your skin has fully healed.
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You should contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice if:
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the sunburn is over a large area
there is blistering or swelling of the skin
you have chills or a high temperature of 38C or above, or 37.5C or above in
children under five.
there are symptoms of dizziness, headaches and feeling sick (possible heat
exhaustion).
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Heat exhaustion causes extreme tiredness as a result of a decrease in blood
pressure and blood volume. It's caused by a loss of body fluids after being exposed
to heat for a prolonged period of time.
Someone with heat exhaustion will feel sick, faint and sweat heavily. They should go
immediately to a cool place and drink plenty of water. Remove excess clothing and
you should start to feel better within half an hour with no long-term complications.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a more serious condition than heat exhaustion and occurs when the
body's temperature becomes dangerously high. The body is no longer able to cool
itself and starts to overheat.
Groups more at risk of developing heatstroke are:
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children under two
very elderly people
people with kidney, heart or circulation problems
people with diabetes.
Signs of heatstroke include dry skin, vertigo, confusion, headache, thirst, nausea,
rapid shallow breathing (hyperventilation) and muscle cramps.
Suspected heatstroke should always be regarded as an emergency, and you should
dial 999 to request an ambulance.
While waiting for the ambulance you should:
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immediately move the person to a cool area
increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan
give water to drink (if the person is conscious), but don't give them medication
such as aspirin or paracetamol
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shower skin with cool, but not cold, water (15-18°C); alternatively, cover their
body with cool, damp towels or sheets.
Left untreated, heatstroke can lead to complications, such as brain damage and
organ failure. It's also possible to die from heatstroke.
There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting heat exhaustion and
heatstroke:
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stay out of hot sun, particularly between 11am and 3pm
walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
avoid extreme physical exertion
have plenty of cold drinks, but avoid caffeine and alcohol
eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content
take a cool shower, bath or body wash
sprinkle water over your skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of
your neck.
3. PASSPORT AND PARACETAMOL?
Going on holiday is exciting, with lots of things to plan, but taking certain essential
items can help maximise your time in the sun. It may not be top of your planning list
alongside passport and tickets, but a visit your local pharmacy before heading off
either home or abroad should feature in your preparations.
Firstly, talk to your local pharmacist if you are on medication for a condition such as
asthma, diabetes or a heart problem, to find out if you need a repeat prescription to
take with you.
Secondly, put together a basic first aid kit to deal with any minor health issues while
you’re away. Again your pharmacy can help with that.
Putting these two things on your holiday ‘to do’ list will avoid unnecessary worries or
time spent buying medicines or other first-aid supplies whilst you’re away. The last
thing you want to be doing while you’re on holiday is searching around for painkillers,
antihistamines or plasters.
A basic first aid kit will help with minor ailments, such as stomach upsets, allergies,
headaches, sunburn, insect bites, aches and sprains and strains. The really useful
interactive first aid kit guide at www.nhs.uk can help ensure you have everything you
need, or talk to your local pharmacy for advice.
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If you’re travelling in Europe be sure to take a European Health Insurance Card
(EHIC), available free at https://www.ehic.org.uk . It will enable you to access stateprovided healthcare across most of Europe at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free.
It will also cover treatment until you return to the UK.
Before going abroad, be sure to check the rules about the types and quantities of
medicines you are allowed to take. Some medicines available over the counter in the
UK may be controlled in other countries and vice versa.
4. DON’T LET ALLERGIES TAKE THE SPRING OUT OF YOUR
STEP
Spring and summer are the time of year when allergies such as asthma, eczema and
hay fever can get much worse, with symptoms including sneezing, coughing, skin
rashes and shortness of breath.
But there’s no need to get bogged down by runny noses, itchy eyes, irritated skin
and tickly throats.
Allergy sufferers can prepare for the spring and summer months by getting the
medicines they need from their local pharmacist – who can also offer expert advice
to help people manage their health during warmer months.
If symptoms persist, despite the use of over-the-counter medicines, you should get in
touch with your GP who may then offer tests to identify the cause.
For more information about hay fever and allergies, visit http://www.nhs.uk/
5. WE ALL LIKE A SUNNY DAY…
And the opportunities that nice weather brings for activities, outdoor living, fresh air
and fun.
When thinking about laid back, sunny days it’s easy to switch off to messages about
health risks but there’s a real chance that you or someone you know could be
negatively affected by the heat. Children and babies, older people and those with
long term health conditions – especially heart and breathing problems - are
particularly at risk.
Hot days and warm nights can have a significant effect on health. Main risks are:
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dehydration
overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have
problems with their heart or breathing
heat exhaustion and heat stroke
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sunburn.
Knowing how to keep cool and manage health conditions during hot weather can
save lives.
Most likely to be affected are:
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older people, especially over 75
babies and young children
people with a serious condition, especially heart or breathing problems
people with mobility problems, e.g. people with Parkinson's disease or who
have had a stroke
people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and
temperature control
people who misuse alcohol or drugs
people who are physically active – at work or leisure.
To stay cool and reduce health risks:
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Stay out of direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm (hottest part of the day).
Always use a sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Have cool baths or showers or splash yourself with cool water. Placing your
wrists under cool running water can help.
Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and
alcohol.
Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat outdoors.
Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look
after themselves.
If someone feels unwell, get them somewhere cool to rest and give plenty of water to
drink. Seek medical help if symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, confusion,
weakness or dizziness don't go away.
More information is available at www.nhs.uk and you can call NHS 111 24/7 for
further advice.
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APPENDIX B – SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES AND TWEETS
Please shorten links via Bit.ly before using.
Hay fever
It is estimated that more than *10 million people in the UK suffer from
hay fever – don’t suffer unnecessarily. Your local pharmacist can give
you fast, free, expert help and advice. You can find more information
on hay fever at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hayfever/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Is pollen causing you pain? Your local pharmacy can help ease the
symptoms with expert advice and a range of over-the-counter
remedies, without the need to book an appointment. You can find
information on how to treat hay fever at
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hay-fever/Pages/Treatment.aspx
Hay fever can make asthma worse and leave you feeling really
poorly. Talk to your local pharmacist about how antihistamines can
prevent an allergic reaction before it even starts. You can find more
information on hay fever at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hayfever/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
Think you have hay fever? You don’t need a diagnosis from your GP.
Get fast, free, expert help and advice from your local pharmacy. You
can find more advice on hay fever at
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Struggling with hay fever this summer? Visit your local pharmacy for
help. You can find more information on hay fever
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Hay fever
tweets
Suffer from #hayfever? Your pharmacist can give you fast, free,
expert help & advice. More advice and #summerhealth info at
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/Pages/Introduction.aspx
#hayfever
Is pollen a pain? Your local pharmacy can help ease symptoms
#summerhealth with advice on over-the-counter remedies #hayfever
#summerhealth
#hayfever can make #asthma worse. Talk to your pharmacist about
how antihistamines can prevent allergic reactions.
Think you have #hayfever? Don't see your GP. Get fast, free,
expert advice from your pharmacist. More at
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Red eyes & runny nose for summer parties? Stop #hayfever by
visiting your pharmacy or going online for advice
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Sprains and
Make sure you warm up properly before exercising to avoid sprains
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strains
and strains this summer. Find out more at
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/how-to-warm-up.aspx
Over done it in the gym? For advice on dealing with those aches and
pains why not visit
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sprains/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Trying to get fit for your holiday? Make sure you warm up properly
before exercising to avoid sprains and strains this summer. Find out
more at http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/how-to-warmup.aspx
Got those trainers on, ready to get fit for the summer? Why not find
out first how to avoid sprains and strains. Visit
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/how-to-warm-up.aspx
Been inspired by Wimbledon? Make sure you warm up properly
before playing sports to avoid sprains and strains this summer. Find
out more at http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/how-to-warmup.aspx
Hitting the gym, tennis courts, football pitch, or streets this summer?
Make sure you warm up and warm down properly to avoid sprains
and strains this summer. Find out more at
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sprains/Pages/Prevention.aspx
Minor sprains and strains can usually be treated with self-care
techniques, such as PRICE therapy (protection, rest, ice,
compression and elevation). Find out more about PRICE therapy at
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sprains/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Sprains and
strains tweets
Make sure you warm up before exercise to avoid a
#sportinginjury. Find out more about #sprainsandstrains at
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/how-to-warm-up.aspx
#sprainsandstrains Over done it a bit in the gym? For advice on dealing with
#sportinginjury
#sprainsandstrains or #sportinginjury visit
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sprains/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Want to get fit for holiday? Make sure you warm up before
exercising to avoid #sprainsandstrains this summer
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/how-to-warm-up.aspx
Jumpers for goal posts? Overdone the footie in the park? For
advice on dealing with #sportinginjury #sprainsandstrains visit
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sprains/Pages/Treatment.aspx
Inspired by #Wimbledon? Make sure you warm up before
playing sport to avoid #sprainsandstrains
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/how-to-warm-up.aspx
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Minor #sprainsandstrains can usually be treated with self-care
techniques, such as PRICE therapy. Find out more at
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sprains/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Sprained ankle? Pulled muscle? If you have a #sportinginjury,
visit
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains/pages/introduction.aspx
for advice
Bites and
Stings
Have you been stung this summer? Follow some basic tips to help
improve symptoms - http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bitesinsect/pages/introduction.aspx
Don’t scratch it. Most insect bites and stings are harmless and will
heal after a few days. Find out more about how to treat a bite or
sting - http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bitesinsect/pages/introduction.aspx
Beware of stings and bites by the barbeque. Make sure you have a
full first aid kit on standby http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/firstaidtoolkit.aspx
If you’ve ever been stung when you’re out and about, you’ll know
it’s not much fun. Find out how to treat symptoms http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bites-insect/pages/introduction.aspx
Want to prevent stings and bites when you’re out and about? There
are a number of precautions you can take. To find out more visit http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bites-insect/Pages/Prevention.aspx
Bites and
stings tweets
Been landed with a #bite or #sting this summer? Follow some basic
tips to help symptoms at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bitesinsect/pages/introduction.aspx
For most people an insect #bite or #sting is harmless & will heal in a
few days. See how to treat them here
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bites-insect/pages/introduction.aspx
To treat a #bite or #sting have a first aid kit on standby – find out
more at http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/firstaidtoolkit.aspx
Taking antihistamine and using a cold compress can reduce
swelling and itching of a #bite or #sting.
http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/firstaidtoolkit.aspx
Want to prevent a #bite or #sting when you’re out & about? There
are a number of things you can do
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bites-insect/Pages/Prevention.aspx
#bite
#sting
Summer
health advice
Don’t let food poisoning ruin your summer holiday. In most cases,
you can treat yourself without seeking medical advice by taking the
following self-care advice http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Food-
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poisoning/Pages/Treatment.aspx
All ready for the summer holidays? Don’t forget your first aid kit.
Find out what you need here http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/firstaidtoolkit.aspx
Going abroad this summer? Be prepared…Find out what travel
health essentials you need to stay safe and healthy abroad http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/Travelhealthkit.aspx
So you’re all packed for your summer holiday but have you packed
your travel health essentials? Find out what you need here
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/Travelhealthkit.aspx
Got a summer bug and don’t know what to do? Don’t go to your
GP, find out how you can self-care at home http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vomitingadults/pages/introduction.aspx
If you’re going abroad this summer, don’t forget that travelling with
some basic medicine cabinet essentials can save you a lot of
holiday heartache http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/firstaidtoolkit.aspx
If you’re looking forward to a holiday away with the family, make
sure you’re prepared with your travel health essentials http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/Travelhealthkit.aspx
Summer health
advice tweets
Spent too much time in the sun? Stay in the shade, drink water and
apply aftersun #summerholiday #sunburn
All ready for your #summerholiday? Don’t forget your first aid kit.
#summerholiday http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/firstaidtoolkit.aspx
Find out about the travel health essentials you need to stay safe &
healthy on your #summerholiday
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/Travelhealthkit.aspx
Passport, tickets, paracetamol and plasters, your #summerholiday
essentials are here
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/Travelhealthkit.aspx
Upset stomach & the runs? Don’t go to your GP, feel better at
home - http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vomitingadults/pages/introduction.aspx
Got #sunburn? Cover up, wear a high factor sunscreen and drink
plenty of water #summerholiday
Dizzy, with a dry mouth and headache? You may be dehydrated.
Stay in shade & drink water for a #summerholiday recovery
Looking forward to a family #summerholiday? Make sure you have
the right first aid kit with you
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/Travelhealthkit.aspx
Holiday
prescriptions /
Going abroad this summer? Don’t forget your repeat prescriptions
and first aid kit - http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/firstaidtoolkit.aspx
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Over the
counter travel
advice
Holiday
prescriptions /
over the
counter travel
advice tweets
#firstaid
#summerholiday
Make sure you’re prepared for summer holiday blisters, cuts and
rashes – remember to pack your first aid kit
http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/firstaidtoolkit.aspx
Not sure what first aid supplies you might need for a holiday
abroad? Talk to your local pharmacy or visit
http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/firstaidtoolkit.aspx
Are you on medication for a long term condition? Make sure you
speak to your pharmacist before going abroad so you have
everything you need.
Going on a #summerholiday abroad? Don’t forget repeat
prescriptions & #firstaid kit
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/Travelhealthkit.as
px #beprepared
Be prepare for #summer holiday blisters, cuts and bruises –
remember to pack your #firstaid kit
http://www.nhs.uk/tools/pages/firstaidtoolkit.aspx
Not sure what #firstaid supplies you need for your
#summerholiday? Talk to your local pharmacy or visit
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/Travelhealthkit.as
px
On medication for a long term condition & going abroad? Your
pharmacy can advise what you need #summerholiday
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APPENDIX C – SUMMER HEALTH FACTS AND FIGURES
Sprains and strains
1. In a sprain, one or more ligaments (tissue that connects two or more bones
at a joint) is stretched or torn.
2. A strain is a stretch or tear to a muscle or a tendon (tissue that connects
muscle to bone).
3. Two common sites for a strain are the back and the hamstring muscle in
the back of the thigh.
4. It is most common for sprains to occur in the ankle.
5. Many things can cause a sprain - falling, twisting, or getting hit can force a
joint out of its normal position.
6. PRICE therapy is recommended for minor sprains and strains.
7. You should not stop using a sprained joint. The injury will heal quicker if you
begin to move the joint as soon as you can without experiencing significant
pain.
8. Advice for muscle strains can be different. Depending on your injury, you may
be advised to keep your injured muscle still for the first few days.
9. After an ankle sprain you will generally be able to walk 1-2 weeks after the
injury, use your ankle fully after 6-8 weeks, and return to sporting activities
after 8-12 weeks.
10. The time it can take to recover from a muscle strain can vary considerably.
Some people can recover within a few weeks, whereas others may not be
able to return to their normal activities for several months.
Hay fever
1. It is estimated that there are more than 10 million people with hay fever in
England.
2. There are around 30 types of pollen that could cause hay fever.
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3. 90% of people in Britain with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen.
4. Around 25% of people in Britain with hay fever are allergic to pollen from
trees, including oak, ash, cedar and birch.
5. People with an allergy to birch often also experience an allergic reaction to
apples, peaches, plums and cherries, as these types of fruit contain a similar
protein to birch pollen.
6. It is possible to be allergic to more than one type of pollen.
7. In the UK, the pollen count season usually starts late March through to
September. However, it can sometimes begin as early as January, or end in
November.
8. Pollen count seasons:
a. tree pollen – late March to mid-May
b. grass pollen – mid-May to July
c. weed pollen – end of June to September
9. Studies have shown that hay fever can severely affect a person’s quality of
life, leading to time off work and school, and affecting children’s school exam
results.
10. People who suffer rhinitis are at increased risk of developing asthma.
Stings and bites
1. In the UK, bugs that bite include midges, mosquitoes, fleas, spiders, mites
and ticks.
2. Insects that sting include bees, wasps and hornets.
3. An insect sting typically causes an intense, burning pain, quickly followed by a
patch of redness and a small area of swelling around the sting. This usually
eases and goes within a few hours.
4. In the UK most allergic reactions are caused by wasp stings.
5. Bee and wasp venoms are different. People who are sensitised and 'allergic'
to wasp venom are rarely allergic to bee venom.
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6. When an insect bites, it releases saliva which causes the skin around the bite
to become red, swollen and itchy.
7. In rare cases, some people can have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
to a bite or sting that requires immediate medical treatment.
Sun exposure
1. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, and we get most of our vitamin D
from exposure to sunlight.
2. A lack of vitamin D – known as vitamin D deficiency – can cause bones to
become soft and weak, which can lead to bone deformities.
3. Short periods of sun exposure – about 10 to 15 minutes for most lighterskinned people - without sunscreen during the summer months (April to
October) are enough for most people to make the right amount of vitamin D.
4. People with darker skin will need to spend longer in the sun to produce the
same amount of vitamin D, as those with lighter skins.
5. The longer you stay in the sun, especially for prolonged periods without sun
protection, the greater your risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most
common cancers in the UK, and too much sun increases your risk.
6. It is recommended to stay covered up for most of the time you spend outside
and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
7. In 2010, around 100,000 people were diagnosed with skin cancer in the UK,
and more than 12,000 skin cancers were malignant melanoma, the most
serious type of skin cancer.
8. Each year, around 2,200 people die from skin cancer.
May 2015