Health & Wellness

Stay Well this Winter

From Ambulance Victoria:

Dust off the puffer jackets and stock up on the cold and flu medication.

The winter chill has set in and it's time to prepare for the colder months ahead!

Seasonal illnesses are on the rise, and we know demand on our hard-working paramedics and first responders will increase.

Take simple steps to stay well and protect those around you, helping keep ambulances and paramedics available for life-threatening emergencies.

❄️ Cold weather can trigger asthma symptoms. Make sure your asthma action plan is up-to-date, take your preventer as prescribed, and seek early advice if symptoms worsen.

❄️ Talk to your doctor about vaccinations.

❄️ Simple hygiene measures still go a long way. Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re unwell to help slow the spread of cold, flu and RSV.

❄️ Stay hydrated, rest, and manage mild illness at home when you can.

❄️ If you care for children, knowing how to manage common winter illnesses such as croup (and when to get help) can make a big difference. Get trusted health information at https://bit.ly/3Rwxf1w or https://bit.ly/4uGxSUC

And remember, there are many options you can access when you need timely medical care and health advice.

If you need urgent healthcare now, but it's not life-threatening, get free help faster by:

📱 Contacting the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) from the comfort of your home at https://bit.ly/3s3zBIP

🩺 Attending an Urgent Care Clinic. Find your nearest clinic: https://bit.ly/3XFGrB3

You can also get help from:

📞 Nurse-on-Call (24/7) 1300 60 60 24

🥼 Your GP or local pharmacist.