NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved for you and your loved ones, both in the area you live in and across the country.
The NHS in the Black Country is now offering the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine at selected local pharmacies, making it easier than ever for eligible groups to get protected.
RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs which spreads all year round. It often causes symptoms like a cold, such as a runny nose, cough and fever, and usually gets better by itself. However, for infants and older adults the virus can lead to more severe illness and hospitalisation.
Since last September, people aged 75 to 79 have been encouraged to come forward for a RSV vaccination via their GP practice. Pregnant women over 28 weeks are also offered the vaccine by the maternity service they are receiving antenatal care from, to help protect their babies from RSV for the first few months after they’re born.
Now, those eligible can visit a participating pharmacy in the Black Country to get the RSV vaccine as part of a phased national roll out across community pharmacies in England.
RSV vaccinations are also available at a number of pharmacies on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary.
Sarah Quinton, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “RSV can lead to serious illness, particularly in older adults and pregnant women. Vaccination is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
“We’re delighted that the RSV vaccine is now available at selected community pharmacies across the Black Country. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals, and this expansion means more people can get protected quickly and conveniently, close to home.
“Only one dose is needed for long-term protection, and I would encourage anyone eligible to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
For more information about the RSV vaccine, visit the NHS Black Country ICB website.
With hot weather forecast over the next few days, the NHS is sharing the signs and
symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke to look out for The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded its heat health alert for the West Midlands to amber, which is in effect from 12pm on Friday 11 July until 9am on Monday 14 July, replacing the earlier yellow warning issued this week.
During hot weather it can be easy to overheat. Spending too long in the sun or not staying
properly hydrated can lead to heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes, however if left
untreated it can quickly turn to heatstroke. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your core body temperature reaches 40C or higher and must be treated immediately.
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
• a headache
• dizziness and confusion
• loss of appetite and feeling sick
• excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
• cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
• fast breathing or pulse
• a high temperature of 38C or above
• extreme thirst.
These are the same in adults and children, although children can also turn sleepy and floppy.
Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said:
“Heat exhaustion can affect anyone, including fit and healthy people, and be very serious if not
treated immediately. It can come on quickly, over minutes, or gradually over hours, so with high Temperate levels expected over the next few days, it is important that people know how to deal with it.
“To help prevent heat exhaustion drink plenty of cold drinks, take cool baths or showers and
wear light coloured and loose clothing. Try to stay out of the sun between 11am-3pm and avoid alcohol and exercise as this will prevent dehydration.
“If someone has heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place and get them to lie down with their feet raised slightly. Ensure they drink plenty of water and cool their skin with cold water and fan them. They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.
“Remember to keep an eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions, such like diabetes or heart problems, as they’re more at risk in the hot weather.”
If someone with heat exhaustion does not improve after 30 minutes, they may have heatstroke.
You should call 111 if they still feel unwell after drinking plenty of water, not sweating even while feeling too hot, have a high temperature of 40C of above or feel confused.
