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Staying healthy in the winter months!

Prevention is key!

Try and avoid getting sick if you can by following these few steps (If you do get sick, try and not to share them with anyone else)

  • Wear a mask
  • Wash your hands for 20 seconds and dry them well
  • Cover coughs, with your elbow preferably, and sneezes too.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces often
  • Don’t share personal items
  • Stay home if sick and avoid close contact with others

If you have any cold/flu/covid like symptoms do regular RAT tests until you are better. However, if you do get sick, here are some tips to help:

  1. Rest at home
  2. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids, warm lemon and honey drinks or soups (no honey for under 12months).
  3. For a sore throat, suck a teaspoon of honey or gargle with salt water. Adults can also try using a gargle, throat spray or lozenges.
  4. For a blocked/runny nose and sinuses, decongestants and saline nasal sprays can help.
  5. For coughs, sip a lemon/honey drink or cough lozenges/medicines may help.
  6. For aches & pains, take paracetamol OR over-the-counter cold/flu meds.
    You can always call your GP or Pharmacy for advice if your symptoms are severe.

If self medicating with any cold/flu medications, we recommend you speak to your friendly local pharmacist for advice on which medicines are right for you as some might not be suitable for you depending on your medical history (contra-indications) and what medication/natural supplements you might be taking regularly (interactions).

If you do have a confirmed case of COVID-19, please see our other page for more information.

For more detailed information leaflets on Cold/Flu as well as some other conditions, you can visit NZ Online Chemist Self Help Information page or if you need some other health advice, some of the best sites are below:

Or you can call Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116

If you need to go to an Emergency Department and…

  1. you are in staying in West Auckland, go to Waitakere Hospital
    http://www.waitematadhb.govt.nz/hospitals-clinics/waitakere-hospital/
  2. you are in staying in North Shore or North Auckland, go to
    North Shore Hospital
    http://www.waitematadhb.govt.nz/hospitals-clinics/north-shore-hospital/
  3. you stay in Central Auckland and CBD, go to Auckland Hospital
    http://www.adhb.health.nz/patients-and-visitors/hospitals-and-clinics/auckland-city-hospital/
  4. you stay in East or South Auckland, go to Middlemore Hospital
    https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/middlemore-hospital/

OR If it is for a child less than 16 years of age; Starship Hospital https://www.starship.org.nz/

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