WYRE Forest health bosses are encouraging residents to speak to their pharmacist is they are feeling under the weather.

The NHS Wyre Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is supporting the Feeling Under the Weather campaign which encourages people, especially older people to seek early advice for minor winter illnesses.

Anne Kingham, primary care medicines commissioning lead, said: “Every winter, doctors and nurses see a big increase in the number of older and frail people who are admitted to hospital because of respiratory or other chronic conditions usually worsened by immobility, the cold and other viral illnesses.

“I would urge older people and those looking after them to seek advice while symptoms are still in the early stages. Nipping the problem in the bud often means there won't be serious problems later.

“Pharmacies have long opening hours, you don’t need an appointment and many have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call.”

For more information about the campaign visit nhs.uk/asap, or to find your nearest pharmacy visit nhs.uk