OVER-60s in Bradford are being encouraged to get early advice from their local pharmacist if they are feeling under the weather.

Dr Andy Withers, who is clinical chairman of Bradford Districts Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), 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.

“Older people often don’t seek advice for wheezes, coughs and sneezes because they don’t think it’s serious enough and they don’t want to waste anyone’s time. We want to get the message across that local pharmacists are highly trained and will be pleased to give expert advice.

“I would urge older people and those looking after them to seek advice while symptoms are still in the early stages. Nipping a 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.”

NHS 111 is also available free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week including bank holidays by dialling 111.

MORE HEALTH HEADLINES