Bucks Council leader issues some health advice this winter

Covid and winter health pressures

It’s been welcome to see the number of new Covid infections and hospital admissions fall in the most recent weeks. Infection rates have declined since I last wrote to you and are now at 401.6 per 100,000 in Buckinghamshire. Nevertheless, we know that our local health, hospital and care services are under tremendous pressure and will continue to be so throughout winter. As even colder weather sets in, we also know that more indoor socialising will take place, meaning all respiratory diseases, including Covid, can spread far more easily. Even though it feels counter-intuitive when it’s cold, I can’t stress enough how much difference it can make keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated, so I do urge you all to consider having the windows open. You can see the latest Covid data for Buckinghamshire on the Council’s Covid dashboard.

I would urge anyone who is eligible for a Covid-19 booster vaccination dose to please arrange one as soon as they can. Like some vaccines, levels of protection can wane over time. By getting the booster dose you can extend your protection this winter, protecting yourself, your family and your friends. And remember, people aged 40 and over are eligible to book a booster vaccination using the National Booking System from 22 November. You must leave six months between having your second dose and your booster.

As I stressed last time, due to the success of the vaccine programmes, high infection rates are not leading to the previously high levels of serious illness and deaths, but we know the strain it all puts on our health services across the board. 

If we all do our bit, like using health services wisely, using our pharmacists for advice about general health and only attending A&E in the instance of serious accident or illness, we can all play a part in helping our colleagues working in the NHS and care services who continue to do such an incredible job, day in day out, keeping services running.

Please check the winter health pages on our website for the latest advice. 

And, as ever, keep up to date with the latest Government advice and information on Covid-19 at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

More on staying safe this winter

There are other pressures colder weather brings too, so it’s always wise to go through a bit of a winter ‘checklist’ at this time of year. 

• Is your medicine cupboard stocked up and in date in the event of treating coughs and colds quickly?
• Is your car equipped for winter and do you know about safer driving in cold dark, icy conditions?
• We can all feel a bit low when it’s dark for longer, do keep a check on your own health and wellbeing and don’t let the cooler weather keep you cooped up unnecessarily, a good walk and some fresh air each day can work wonders, and where you feel worse emotionally, reach out for help.
• Be a good neighbour – check in on those more vulnerable especially the elderly and those who live alone.

Our communities have done us all proud throughout the pandemic and we love hearing stories about how everyone continues to look out for each other – so please share your stories and pictures with us @BucksCouncil using #staysafethiswinter as we’d love to share them in newsletters and via social media to spread some festive cheer!