Winter places extra demands on our health โ and on our medicines. Whether you are managing a long-term condition, picking up something for a seasonal illness, or stocking your medicine cabinet ahead of the colder months, here are five things our pharmacist wants you to know.
1. Order Your Repeat Prescriptions Early
The NHS sees a significant surge in demand every winter. GP surgeries get busier, processing times slow down, and deliveries can take longer than usual. If you take regular medication, build in extra time when placing your repeat order โ ideally five to seven working days earlier than you normally would.
Running out of a critical medicine like a blood pressure tablet, an inhaler, or an antidepressant is not just inconvenient โ it can be genuinely harmful. Plan ahead, and use a service like 365Med to have your medicines delivered directly to your door.
2. Store Your Medicines Correctly in Cold Weather
Some medicines are sensitive to temperature. Insulins, certain eye drops, and some liquid antibiotics need to be kept refrigerated. Others, like many tablets and capsules, should be kept below 25ยฐC โ which can actually be a challenge in winter if you store medicines near a radiator.
As a general rule: keep medicines in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. The bathroom cabinet sounds convenient but is often too humid. A bedroom drawer or a dedicated medicine box in a cool room is far better.
3. Know When to See a Pharmacist Instead of Your GP
For common winter ailments โ coughs, colds, sore throats, earache, and sinusitis โ a pharmacist is often the fastest and most appropriate first point of contact. Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, our pharmacist can assess and treat several of these conditions directly, without you needing a GP appointment.
Save your GP for situations that genuinely require their input. For everything else, call or contact your pharmacist first.
4. Check Your Inhaler Technique
Cold air is one of the most common asthma and COPD triggers. Winter is the time when inhaler use increases โ but it is also the time when poor inhaler technique is most likely to let you down.
Studies consistently show that a significant proportion of patients do not use their inhalers correctly, which means they are not getting the full benefit of their medication. If you have any doubt, speak to our pharmacist for a technique check. It takes five minutes and can make a real difference.
5. Flu and COVID Vaccinations Are Still Available
If you are eligible for an NHS flu vaccination โ including those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, carers, and people with certain long-term conditions โ and you have not yet had yours, it is not too late. Protection begins within two weeks of the vaccine and lasts through the winter season.
Ask your GP surgery or local pharmacy about availability. At 365Med, we are always happy to advise on vaccination eligibility and where to access jabs in your area.
Your Pharmacist Is Here Year-Round
Winter or not, our team at 365Med is always available to help with your medicines, answer clinical questions, and make sure your prescriptions are managed safely. Do not wait until there is a problem โ reach out to us anytime at customerservices@365med.co.uk or call us on 07949 840562.