The Hour

There are few now in Scotland who could claim that the Big Freeze hasn’t inconvenienced them, but for some the consequences of the weather can be far more severe. Dr Debbie Wake urged viewers of The Hour to think ahead over the coming weeks to make sure that they are prepared in case of emergency.

The most important thing to do is stock up on repeat prescriptions before GP surgeries close over Christmas: “As soon as things shut down over Christmas and New Year you can be stuck without it,” said Debbie. “It can be a real battle to get your prescriptions if you do run out of them over the Christmas period.”

If you do get stuck without access to your doctor, there are other ways to get your prescriptions. Some pharmacies will deliver them to your door and often someone else can collect them for you with just a name and address, or perhaps an ID if necessary.

Pharmacies can also be an excellent port of call for minor illnesses. Staff are well trained and can offer advice, as well as referring you for an emergency appointment in the worst cases.

For most people the worst they will experience over the festive period will be the usual cold and flu symptoms, but there are also ways of warding this off. Getting plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as fish, can be a great way of getting vitamins, minerals and essential oils.

“We tend to stack up on comfort food at this time of year and forget about the healthy stuff,” said Debbie. “So that’s what I would be recommending and that will help your immune system stave off the colds and things.”

A well stocked medicine cabinet is also important. Paracetamol is a must for things like cold, flu, high temperature or sore throat. After that, Debbie recommended whatever works for you, be it a decongestant, cough mixture or throat pastel.

At any time, NHS 24 can give you advice and in the worst case scenarios there are always the emergency services.

NHS 24 can be called on 08454 24 24 24.

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