Q. I’ve a chronic condition – how can I prepare for winter?

A. As the weather turns and winter comes upon us, people with long term conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease need extra support.

Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes, and make us more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses.

But there are lots of things you can do to manage your conditions and stay well this winter.

As well as ensuring you get vaccinated against flu to protect yourself, it’s a good idea to have an up-to-date personalised care plan.

This helps you manage your condition better, and helps loved ones know what to do if you do need medical attention.

If you’re unsure if you have a Personalised Care Plan, contact your GP for more information.

If you feel unwell don’t wait – get advice from your nearest pharmacist.

Almost everyone will have a cough or cold at some point this winter.

When you do - don’t spread your germs and cough or sneeze into a tissue, and put it in the bin and wash your hands.

Your GP won’t be able to prescribe anything to help.

And if it’s cold outside, it’s the perfect excuse to eat well and wrap up warm.

Light exercise and hot drinks will help you stay warm.

If you have breathing problems even a small change in temperature can affect you. So take extra care.

Q. I think my child has got chickenpox – what should I do?

A. Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus that can spreads easily to people who haven’t had it before.

Most people who have had it will usually be immune for life.

There is a 10-21 delay between contact and presentation of symptoms such as heavy cold, feverish and the classic rash with small blisters, which when drying out have yellow crusts.

Normally this a self-limiting illness that will make you feel a bit off for a few days.

The following can help:

• use paracetamol to relieve fever

• use calamine moisturising creams

• drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated

You should try to stop chickenpox spreading, stay away from school or work until the last blister has dried.

Chickenpox is normally mild and gets better on its own but some people can become more seriously ill and need to see a doctor.

Telephone your GP if:

• baby is less than four weeks old

• adults often feel worse and may need a clinical review

• if you are simply not getting better

• you’ve been in contact with someone who has chickenpox (or you have symptoms) and you’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system

• you have swollen and painful skin, difficulty breathing or dehydration

So remember chickenpox is a common generally self-limiting illness that can be managed at home.

But if you are concerned call your GP or 111 for help.