As thousands of people across Essex get set to enjoy music festivals, an airshow and other outdoor activities this week, NHS Essex is offering advice for keeping well.
Dr Anna Davey, local GP and Associate Medical Director for Neighbourhood Health at NHS Essex, advises that taking a few simple steps can prevent illness and injury ruining your fun and relaxation.
With temperatures set to be around average or even lower this week, it can be tempting to think you don’t need to worry about the sun or keeping hydrated. However, drinking alcohol, being very active or in large crowds can all leave you dehydrated.
Dr Anna Davey, local GP and Associate Medical Director for Neighbourhood Health at NHS Essex
If you will be drinking alcohol, space it out and drink plenty of water in between and don’t drink on an empty stomach. Make sure you keep an eye out on your friends and check for signs of heat exhaustion like excessive sweating or their skin becoming pale and clammy. They may also feel dizzy, tired or more irritable.
With the August bank holiday weekend around the corner, people are also being reminded to use NHS 111 online for urgent care advice and support as GP surgeries and other NHS services will be closed on bank holiday Monday (31 August).
NHS 111 should be your first stop for urgent medical advice and support. They can direct you to the most appropriate service for your needs, saving you time and unnecessary waiting. For life-threatening and serious conditions, please call 999.
Dr Matthew Sweeting, Medical Director at NHS Essex Integrated Care Board
Pharmacies can also help a lot with some of the most common conditions people experience. Not only can they provide advice on self-care and over the counter medication, they can even supply prescription medication for seven common conditions including sore throats, sinusitis and infected insect bites.
The 111 online symptom checker and phone line are open 24 hours a day. Emergency lines are also open 24 hours a day for serious and life-threatening emergencies.
Some pharmacies in Essex will be open on bank holiday Monday. Opening times for pharmacies and their available services can be found on the NHS website.
Mental health support is also available 24/7 by calling NHS 111 and select the mental health option to access urgent support.
For serious or life-threatening emergencies, people should continue to call 999 or attend A&E.