Tag: Pharmacy2U

Record number of us will fight flu with jags this Autumn

New data predicts a record number of Brits will sign up for their flu vaccination this Autumn. The UK’s largest online pharmacy, Pharmacy2U, reveals that two thirds of people surveyed intend to get a flu jab this year, with over one in ten (14 per cent) signing up to have one for the first time.

Research commissioned by Pharmacy2U found that attitudes towards getting the flu jab may have changed among Brits because of the nationwide Covid-19 vaccine drive, with 35 per cent of those surveyed saying that having their coronavirus vaccine made them more determined to get their flu vaccine this year.

Over half (58 per cent) said having the Covid-19 vaccine showed them how easy and accessible it was, over half (52 per cent) said they feel more knowledgeable about vaccines now, and over a quarter (27 per cent) said having had the vaccine, it made them less afraid of needles. Over half (53 per cent) said they now see the importance of the flu vaccine in protecting themselves and others.

Since the start of this year, Pharmacy2U has helped the NHS to vaccinate the nation against Covid-19, giving over 700,000 vaccines to people all across England. It continues to vaccinate people daily at its clinics across its 25 sites, in venues such as Odeon Cinemas, Morrisons, Village Hotels and The Jockey Club racecourses.

Pharmacy2U will continue working with the NHS, who recently announced that the free flu jab will be made available to 35 million people this year*, by vaccinating people in England against the common flu from 13th September onwards, for the second year in a row.

As the nation slowly returns to normal life, over two thirds (68 per cent) of Brits surveyed said they have concerns about their health this winter. Also, 43 per cent expressed concerns that their immune system may be weaker, with potential reasons including working from home (27 per cent) and limiting contact with many people (55 per cent) and the increased use of sanitisers (32 per cent).

In addition, 47 per cent expressed concerns about catching Covid-19 and flu at the same time and the health implications of this, and 68 per cent said they didn’t want flu to impact their newfound freedoms now lockdown rules have lifted.

Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, comments: “As we enter what could be a very challenging winter for many, this is a much-needed service for people up and down the country. Influenza can be potentially fatal, so having your flu jab is a vital way to play your part in protecting yourself and others.

“It is best to get your flu vaccination in the Autumn before flu starts circulating, so you should take a look at our website, where you find out more information and easily book your flu vaccine.”

Flu vaccinations will be available for free for patients in England that meet the NHS eligibility requirements, and additionally offered at an affordable rate for anyone else. For the full list of eligibility requirements, visit: www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/flu

Phil’s top tips for staying safe this flu season include:

  1. Get a flu vaccination; flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses. It will also help to reduce pressure on the NHS and social care staff who may be dealing with coronavirus-related illnesses.
  2. Wash your hands often for 20 seconds. Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects.
  3. Use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, or alternatively sneeze or cough into your elbow. Dispose of your tissue immediately.
  4. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain good health.
  5. Sleep well: adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night, consistently, to stay healthy.

For more information and to book your flu vaccination in a few clicks, visit: 

www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/flu

World Menopause Day: how lifestyle changes can help

This World Menopause Day (18th October), Pharmacy2U wanted to share information and expert comment around the common symptoms and physiological changes that occur during this transition and how lifestyle choices can make the changes more manageable.  

Going through the menopause can be one of the most difficult parts of life for many women. The menopause is a natural part of ageing that typically happens to a woman when she is between 45 and 55 years of age, with the average age in the UK being 51. It’s important to remember that whilst many symptoms are the same in every woman that goes through this transition, the experience and severity vary from woman to woman. 

During the menopausal transition, the body’s production of oestrogen and progesterone, the two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly. Bones become less dense, making women more vulnerable to fractures.

During this period, too, the body begins to change how it uses its energy, fat cells change and women may gain weight easier than they normally would. As hormone levels drop, a succession of not only physical changes, but also emotional changes then follow.

There are several common symptoms that may help women understand if they are going through the menopause, including; 

  • Night sweats
  • Anxiety
  • Hot flushes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Joint pain
  • Low mood

Although there is no ‘cure’ or medication to prevent this happening, there are certain lifestyle changes that can be made to make going through this transition as bearable as possible:

  • Staying clear of foods that cause hot flushes – coffee, tea, alcohol and spicy foods
  • Participating in regular exercise to relieve stress which can trigger the release of endorphins and aid in the balancing of hormones
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – medication that contains hormones that a woman’s body stops producing after menopause
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – a type of talking therapy that can help with anxiety and low moods

It’s recommended that you talk to your GP if you are presenting with the symptoms listed and they’re causing you discomfort, or if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and you’re below 45 years of age. Your GP can then usually confirm whether you are going through the menopause based on your symptoms, or through a blood test. 

Phil Day, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, commented: “The menopause is a natural process, however for some women it can cause a lot of discomfort and disruption to their everyday life.

“A greater awareness of this, and of the many ways the symptoms can be identified and managed, can only be a good thing; and World Menopause Day aims to start that conversation. Lifestyle changes, and approaches such as HRT, can go a long way to restoring normality in many cases.

“HRT replaces the hormones oestrogen and progestogen, or just oestrogen for most women without a uterus, and it can be given in many different ways including tablets, patches, or vaginal creams or pessaries. Your pharmacist and GP are on hand to give advice.”

https://youtu.be/qdMNAf19qcc

Understanding the Male Menopause and Mental Health
https://www.optimale.co.uk/male-menopause-mental-health-guide/ 

World Mental Health Day: Lockdown spurs 61% increase in mental health prescriptions

– Number rises to 92 per cent for people aged 20-29 –

– Highest level of medication for mental health dispensed in June –

The UK’s biggest online pharmacy has revealed a 61 per cent rise in the number of NHS prescriptions it has dispensed for medication intended to treat mental health conditions since lockdown began. This number is produced when comparing repeat prescriptions dispensed from March to July 2020 with the same period last year.

The data comes as Pharmacy2U reveals the latest trends in its dispensing data, focusing on prescriptions for mental health conditions.

It also reveals that the highest level of items dispensed came three months into lockdown, with week commencing 1st June seeing over 185,000 medicines delivered to people’s homes as lockdown measures began to ease.

There was a 92 per cent increase in mental health medication dispensed to 20-29 year-olds between March – July this year compared with 2019, followed by a 70 per cent increase to those aged 70-79.

In its role as a national provider of vital NHS services, Pharmacy2U monitors trends and works with the NHS and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the interests of improving NHS provision, reducing medicines waste, and supporting the appropriate prescribing and dispensing of medications across the country.

Since the beginning of March, the South West saw the highest percentage increase (90 per cent) for items intended for mental health issues compared with last year, followed by the South East (67 per cent increase) and the East of England (59 per cent increase). Greater London saw orders up 54 per cent on the same period in 2019.

Data from Pharmacy2U revealed that it has dispensed over 4.6 million items of medication and saved over 2 Million trips outside for potentially vulnerable people since March, helping hundreds of thousands of people get vital medicines and helping to ease the strain on the NHS and frontline services.

Phil Day, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U comments: “The last few months have been unlike anything we’ve ever experienced in our lifetime, and it has been particularly challenging and worrying for the most vulnerable who still need access to their repeat medicines to manage ongoing conditions. 

“With the prescribing of mental health medications under the microscope at a national level, our responsibility to patients and the NHS is at the heart of all we do. All medication we dispense is requested by the patient and approved by the patients’ GP, who we work with closely to identify any over or under prescribing.

“This helps our patients keep the right amount of medication for their needs, and improves their adherence to their courses of treatment, whilst also preventing over-prescribing and the associated increased costs to the NHS.

“Our state-of-the-art dispensing facility uses the latest technology and industry leading clinical accuracy measures, to help hundreds of thousands of people in need get their medicines safely and, in some part, ease the strain on our partners and friends in the NHS and frontline services.”

For more information please contact the Pharmacy2U press office at pharmacy2u@theacademypr.com.

Boosting your Immune System

With lockdown restrictions becoming increasingly relaxed and people getting used to the ‘new normal’ PHIL DAY, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, offers some tips on boosting your immune system.

Phil Day, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U comments: “With peoples’ lives getting back to this ‘new’ normal, people are understandably cautious about crowded areas, with the risk of catching the virus still very much apparent.

“However, there are some key things you can do to boost your immune system, making your body more likely to fight off viruses: 

  • Get enough sleep – poor quality sleep is linked with a higher susceptibility to lots of illnesses; adequate rest strengthens your natural immunity. Adults should aim for 8 hours of sleep per night, with teenagers needing an hour more.
  • Find ways to reduce stress – when you are stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol to prepare you for “fight or flight”. But over time, excessive levels of cortisol will lead to an increase in inflammation in the body, which in turn impairs your immune system, reducing its ability to fight infections.
  • Ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D – vitamin D is vital for healthy bones, teeth and muscles thanks to its ability to influence the amount of calcium in our bodies. A lack of vitamin D could lead to complications with the immune system, which could worsen the effects of the virus if you do get sick. Most of our vitamin D comes from our diet, and exposure to the sun during the warmer months. However, there are other sources of vitamin D. Supplements containing vitamin D are widely available from your local or online pharmacy, or supermarket.
  • Eat more fruit and veg – fresh fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which are essential for keeping your immune system as healthy as possible. Get your 5 a day! 
  • Take moderate exercise – this can reduce inflammation in the body and promotes the healthy turnover of immune cells, as well as boosting the effectiveness of vaccines in people with compromised immune systems. Exercises such as jogging, cycling and swimming are excellent for this – even a daily walk is really good for you.”