Today, we want to say *a huge thank you* 💙    To everyone working across the NHS this Christmas – nurses, midwives, paramedics, porters, doctors, cleaners, call handlers and so many more.    While many of us are celebrating, they’re caring for our loved ones and keeping services running.    If you need urgent medical help but you’re not sure where to go over the Christmas holidays, use NHS 111. If you’re seriously ill or someone’s life is at risk, always call 999.     Have a safe Christmas 💙🎄

Sounds like most of you feel confident!   *Remember, flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:* 🤒 a sudden high temperature  😴 feeling tired or exhausted  ‍💨 a dry cough  🗣️ a sore throat    Paramedic Eyram’s got you – here are the signs to watch for and what you can do to feel better.    ❄️ Think this could help someone you know? Pass it on!

As we see in the New Year, *ambulance teams will be working one of their busiest nights.* If you’re celebrating, small choices can make a big difference:  🍻 if you’re drinking, eat beforehand 🚰 drink water between drinks  🚕 sort your journey home  📱 keep 999 for life-threatening emergencies.    And for anything urgent but not life-threatening, NHS 111 can help you find the right care. Use the NHS App, go online, or call 💙

*Flu cases are at a record high right now!* 🤒 Feeling rough? Rest up, drink plenty of fluids, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need it. ✋ Help stop the spread. Wash your hands regularly and stay at home if you’ve got a high temperature or feel too unwell. 📱 Need help? NHS 111 can help you if you need urgent help. Save 999 for emergencies only. 💉 Eligible for the jab? Get your flu vaccine to help stop you and the people around you becoming seriously ill this Christmas. Visit https://nhs.uk/fluvaccine for more info. *Help spread the word, not the flu. Pass this on!*

📈 *Flu cases in hospitals are up 55% in a week.* An average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu last week – the most ever for this time of year. That’s enough flu patients each day to fill more than 3 whole hospital trusts. That means extra pressure on hospitals, A&Es and ambulances, with NHS teams working flat out to care for everyone who needs us 💙 If you’re eligible, *getting your job flu jab now is the best way to avoid getting seriously unwell* – you can book online, via your GP, pharmacy or the NHS App. For non-life-threatening care, *use NHS 111 online or by phone* so we can help you get to the right place faster. Please use A&E and 999 for life-threatening emergencies only.

*Flu got you feeling rough?* 🤒    You’re definitely not alone – flu cases are high right now. The good news? A few simple things can really help you feel more like yourself again:    🛌 *rest up and keep warm*  💧 *drink plenty of fluids* 💊 *use paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease a temperature, aches or discomfort*    And remember 👉 your local pharmacist can offer advice and recommend flu remedies – no appointment needed.  ➡️ _Know someone feeling rough? Share this to help them out._

*From today, some NHS services will be affected because of strikes. Here are 5 things to know* ⬇️    1️⃣ *You’re in safe hands*  All other NHS staff – including consultants and specialist doctors – will still be working hard to keep you safe.   2️⃣ *Need urgent care but not sure where to go?*  Use 111 to get checked and sent to the right place for you. Call, go online or use the NHS App.   3️⃣ *Emergency?*  Always call 999 if someone is seriously ill or their life is at risk.   4️⃣ *Appointments*  We’ll be in touch if your appointment needs to change. We’ll only cancel if absolutely necessary – and we’ll reschedule if needed.   5️⃣ *GPs and dentists*  GP practices and dental surgeries are still open. Please attend your appointments unless you’re told otherwise.   Share this reminder with someone you know who might find it useful 👉

🆕 *Big update to childhood vaccinations.* Chickenpox protection has been added to routine NHS childhood jabs. The routine MMR jab is being replaced with the *MMRV vaccine* – one combined jab that protects against measles, mumps, rubella – *and chickenpox.* 🕐 same routine appointments   💪 more protection  💉 fewer injections     If your child is due their jabs, your GP practice will get in touch. More info 👉 https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/ *Forward this on to someone you think might need it!*

L👀K... The NHS is here for you, and this winter it’s more important than ever to use the right services to get you the help you need.

*Spending time with older relatives this Christmas? 🎄*    If you’re spending more time with family and friends this Christmas, it’s possible you might notice some of the warning signs of dementia.     Look out for symptoms that aren’t usual for them such as irritability, forgetfulness, struggling to follow a conversation or being confused about time and place.     It could be nothing, but if you spot any, encourage them to visit their GP for an assessment.     🔗 *http://nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/*