COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory infections
Respiratory infections, such as colds, flu, and COVID-19, are common at this time of year. Here is how you can help to keep yourself and others safe:
Vaccinations
If you are eligible, make sure you have your vaccine. It’s the best defence against flu and COVID-19.
You can find out more about vaccines on the NHS website.
Stop the spread of germs
Hygiene
Wash your hands and clean the surfaces in your home or office often.
If you have a cough or a sneeze, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands.
Feeling unwell?
If you are feeling unwell stay at home where possible or keep a distance from others to stop the spread of germs.
Fresh air
When meeting inside a supply of fresh air can help stop germs or respiratory infections. If people are comfortable, open a window or door to let fresh air in.
Further information
You can find out more about how to recover from COVID-19 here.
Winter vaccinations
Some people are at higher risk of serious illness if they catch COVID-19 or flu and need a vaccine to protect them.
These people include:
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- people aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- frontline health and social care workers
- people aged 12 to 64 years who live with people with immunosuppression
- people aged 16 to 64 years who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults
You can book through the NHS website. If you prefer to book over the phone, please call 119.
It’s important to have both COVID-19 and flu vaccinations as soon as you can ahead of the winter period. If you are eligible for a vaccine, please do have it. It tops up your protection.
You can find out more about vaccines here:
Babies, adults who are sixty-five or over and people with certain health conditions can have a pneumonia vaccine. You can find out more here.
Choosing the right care this winter
Hospitals, GP practices, and other healthcare services can get very busy in winter.
Getting the right care at the right time is important to keep well. Follow these steps to find the right care.
Only call 999 or go to A&E in serious or life-threatening situations.
If you need health advice fast, but it's not an emergency, you can speak to a pharmacist. They can help with advice and over the counter remedies if possible.
If your GP practice is closed, you can contact GP Care Wakefield if you need help the same day:
- Monday to Friday 5pm – 9.30pm
- Saturdays 9am - 5pm
- Sundays 9am - 1pm
Please call your usual practice number and you will be redirected to the service.
For urgent, non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries, King Street Walk In Centre in Wakefield is open from 10am to 10pm every day, including Bank Holidays.
Pontefract Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) is available and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To book an appointment, please ring NHS 111.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can help if you have an urgent medical problem and are unsure of where to get help. Go to 111.nhs.uk (for people aged 5 and over only) or call 111.
Support for children
You can find health advice for children on the West Yorkshire Healthier Together website.