Season of mists, mellow fruitfulness – and viruses
Since my last blog, autumn has well and truly started, and everyone is trying to keep their lives ticking along as best as they can within the ever-changing restrictions that come with COVID-19.
In my GP surgery we’ve seen a change too. Autumn has brought colds and viruses, which can cause runny noses, sore throats, coughs and chest infections. As well as making people feel unwell, they can also cause a flare-up of people’s asthma or other lung conditions.
‘Don’t delay taking action if anything is making your asthma worse’
Because of the threat of COVID-19, and because it’s hard to tell COVID-19 from other viruses, many people with a cough, high temperature, or loss of taste and smell are having to self-isolate and get a test done. However, as I keep telling my own patients, don’t delay taking action if anything is making your asthma worse. It’s important to know what to do.
I’ve had a few patients who were so worried about finding out whether they had COVID-19 or not, that they didn’t consider calling their surgery. In each case, it took longer to get their condition under control. I know of one person who had four negative COVID-19 tests for his cough before contacting me. It was his asthma, which hadn’t been a problem for many years, but was now needing a change in his medicines to help him to prevent an asthma attack and get back to normal.
‘People are coming in for their flu jabs, even if they haven’t had one for years’
The other big thing this time of year is flu clinics. I’ve worked three weekend clinics and have given several hundred vaccines already. Luckily, we have plenty in stock (and we’re expecting more!) as people are wanting theirs earlier this year. People are also coming for their flu jabs, even if they haven’t had one for years. This is great news. It’s really important this year that we protect as many people as possible – to stop people getting ill and dying due to flu and to protect all parts of the NHS.
Each surgery will have different plans for making sure as many people as possible can get their flu vaccine safely. My parents went to a drive-thru flu clinic, which worked well. Our surgery has a one-way system within the building, and enough protections to keep all staff and patients as safe as possible. It was a pleasure seeing some of my patients after several months of telephone and video consultations, even if we all were hidden behind masks.
Apart from getting your flu vaccine this year, there are other simple things that you can do to stay well this winter:
Take your medicines as prescribed
Check that you have a written plan that details how to manage your condition, what to do to stay well, and what to do if your symptoms get worse
Stop smoking
Keep active
Don’t delay seeking medical help if your symptoms are getting worse.
My final note is a massive congratulations to all the people who completed the virtual London Marathon for Asthma UK or the British Lung Foundation. My wife completed the London Marathon last year, so I know how much time and effort goes into the training, and how much of a toll the 26.2 miles takes on the day. With dreadful weather and without the amazing support of the London crowds, I really take my hat off to the determination these runners showed. Thank you!
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