Urgent care

Flu; should YOU be immunised?!

studenthealth General, minor illness, Uncategorized, Urgent care ,

Influenza or ‘Flu’ is a word that can fill even the healthiest of us with dread.

 

Flu is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and extreme fatigue. Other common symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting, a dry cough, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose. For otherwise healthy adults, influenza is an unpleasant but usually self-limiting disease with recovery typically within 2 to 7 days. Symptoms in children can last up to 2 weeks. See below for a link to advice on managing flu symptoms.

 

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx

 

For some of us with certain health conditions it poses an even greater risk, with complications such pneumonia and higher rates of hospitalisation. For this reason the NHS provides flu vaccination to certain ‘at risk’ groups.

 

You could be eligible for free flu vaccination if you fall into one of the following categories:

 

  • Chronic respiratory disease, such as severe asthma (not mild) or COPD/chronic bronchitis
  • Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
  • Chronic kidney disease at stage three, four or five
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Chronic neurological disease, such as a stroke, TIA, motor neurone disease, MS or learning disability
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy
  • Asplenia or splenic dysfunction including sickle cell anaemia
  • A weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment/ immunosuppressant’s)

 

You could also be eligible if you are a carer or a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed e.g. on cancer treatment. Children aged 2-7 and those aged 65 or over are also eligible.

 

If you are not eligible you can still seek flu immunisation privately, this can cost as little as £5 via some pharmacies.

 

Studies have shown that the flu jab definitely works and will help prevent you getting the flu. However, it won’t stop all flu viruses, so it’s not a 100% guarantee that you’ll be flu-free. The vaccine works by stimulating your body’s immune system to make antibodies that attack the flu virus. If you catch the flu virus after you’ve had the vaccination, your immune system will recognise it and immediately produce antibodies to fight it.

 

You need the injection each year so it’s important to book your vaccination as soon as you get your text. Patients known to be in eligible groups should have received their first text inviting them to book an appointment. If you think you are eligible but have not received a text then please call the office at the Students’ Health Service on 0117 3302720.

Below is a link to the 2016 information booklet on flu vaccination-

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/543624/PHE_9901_Flu_Vaccination_A5_booklet_Winter2016_17.pdf

 

 

Meningitis; what is it? What to watch for!

studenthealth Infectious diseases, Uncategorized, Urgent care

What is it?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord.  It is caused by bacterial or viral infections.  The bacterial form can be fatal and causes serious long term health complications – especially if not treated early.

How do you get it?

Close contact is needed to pass it on to others such as kissing, coughing or sneezing near to others.  Living close together in shared accommodation can pose a risk, as does sitting close together in lecture theatres, though less so. Thats why all Freshers should be immunised!

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all;

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle pain
  • Fever with cold hands and feet
  • Drowsy – difficult to wake
  • Confusion and irritability
  • Stiff neck
  • Dislike of bright lights
  • Pale blotchy skin
  • Spots/rash (that do not fade under pressure, do the ‘glass test’)
  • Convulsions/seizures

What can I do?

Get vaccinated – MenACWY vaccine directly protects vaccinated people from 4 strains of meningococcal meningitis and stops them from carrying the bacteria.

Familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms and be alert.

Look out for yourself and friends.  Share awareness and care for each other – don’t assume an illness is hangover or touch of flu – if you think a friend or housemate is ill trust your instincts and seek medical help.  Keep an eye on your friends if they are getting a lot worse quickly seek help.

How do I get help?

Call the GP or NHS 111 if out of GP opening hours

Describe the symptoms and say that you think it could be meningitis.

In an emergency dial 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department.

Download our ESC Student Health App for more info, on your phone. on the App Store now.

 

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/esc-student/id934979379?mt=8

 

For further information https://www.meningitisnow.org/fight-for-now/

 

 

 

 

 

 

A&E in Crisis- what can I do?

studenthealth Uncategorized, Urgent care , ,

We are all aware of recent reports in the media about Emergency Departments (previously called A&E) being overstretched. One of the many reasons that this is happening is due to the inappropriate use of the Emergency Departments by patients accessing healthcare. This is a timely reminder of what to do when you are unwell so that we can allow Emergency Departments to treat those people who need them most.

Across the country, approximately 47 per cent of people attending an Emergency Departments could have received the same service via their GP, by telephoning NHS 111 or by calling in at an NHS walk-in centre, minor injuries unit or urgent care centre.

Be prepared

The best way to avoid falling ill is to stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, getting some exercise, drinking sensibly and knowing your limits

Self-care

Self-care is perfect if your condition is something you will be able to treat at home – in fact, home is the best place for you. A big part of your recovery from these minor ailments is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. You can plan ahead by stocking up on some healthcare essentials – paracetamol, indigestion remedies and plasters for example. You can find all these at your local pharmacy.

Use the NHS symptom checker to help you identify your condition.

If you have sickness and diarrhoea don’t go to your GP surgery or hospital, as you may spread this to others. Drink plenty of fluids and call your GP practice if you have concerns. The best way to prevent this spreading is hand washing with soap and warm water.

NHS 111

NHS 111 has been introduced across England and Wales to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare services. It is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year and is free to call from your landline or mobile phone.

You should call 111 if

  • You need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency.
  • You think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service.
  • You don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call.
  • You need health or medical information, or reassurance about what to do next.

For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist in the usual way.

GP surgeries

Your GP surgery should be your first port of call for non-urgent, on-going illnesses or injuries. Using a GP saves time as they know your medical history. Many GPs are open longer hours now – including early morning, late evenings and Saturdays and offer emergency appointments for urgent cases. You can also see a GP outside of usual opening hours. Just call your GP surgery as usual and a recorded message will tell you how to contact the out of hours GP service.

Pharmacies

You can be treated by health professionals at your local pharmacy. Pharmacists can give advice on treating minor ailments like coughs and colds, give sexual health and contraception advice and provide treatments for minor ailments.

Walk-in Centres

NHS Walk-in Centres offer convenient access to health advice, information and first aid. You can walk in 7 days a week. Professional nurses run the centres which are available for all patients whether they are registered with a GP surgery or not.
The service is for the treatment of any minor illness or minor injury. This includes sexual health concerns, emergency contraception, wound management, travel health and smoking cessation. Procedures such as suturing and clip removals can also be performed.

Bristol City Walk-in Centre
Broadmead Medical Centre
59 Broadmead
Bristol
BS1 3EA
Telephone: 0117 954 9828
Above Boots
More details about Broadmead Medical Centre

Minor Injuries Units

Your nearest minor injuries unit can help with a number of urgent minor injuries. You don’t need to make an appointment.

Southmead Minor Injuries Unit
Gate 35, Level 0
Brunel building
Southmead Hospital
Southmead Road
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 5NB

More details about Southmead Minor Injuries Unit

South Bristol Urgent Care Centre
South Bristol NHS Community Hospital
Hengrove Promenade, Hengrove, Whitchurch Lane Bristol BS14 0DE  
Sat nav postcode: BS14 0DB
Telephone: 0117 342 9692
Open 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm
More details about South Bristol Urgent Care Centre

Emergency Departments

Emergency departments provide urgent treatment for serious, life-threatening conditions. You should travel to A&E yourself if you can but if someone is too ill, for example if they have collapsed or can’t breathe, dial 999 for an ambulance. The most seriously ill patients will be seen before those with less urgent conditions. This means some people have to wait for several hours for treatment, or they may be redirected to a GP, walk-in centre or a minor injuries unit.

Bristol Royal Infirmary A&E Department
Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW
More information about Bristol Royal Infirmary Emergency Department

 

Bristol Eye Hospital Emergency Department
Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LX Telephone: 0117 342 4613
Open 8.30am – 5pm seven days a week Call before you visit. They may be able to offer you advice over the telephone.

More information about Bristol Eye Hospital Emergency Department