8 June 2019

The winter months put extra demand on health services, and the Whanganui District Health Board says the best way to combat this is for people to take care of themselves and keep themselves healthy.

Washing hands, safe sneezing, and staying home if unwell are important ways to reduce the spread of winter illnesses. Pharmacists are a good source of information, and people can get qualified medical advice 24 hours a day by calling the Healthline on 0800 611 116.

DHB advice is that if you feel really unwell contact your GP -- you should only go to the hospital’s Emergency Department if you have a genuine emergency.

And immunisation is vital, with free flu vaccinations available for pregnant women; those aged 65 and over; children aged 4 and under with serious respiratory illnesses; and for people with severe asthma, heart disease, diabetes and other serious health conditions making them more susceptible to flu