Flu symptoms - fever, chills, headache, joint and muscle pains and extreme tiredness – can be nasty. So consider getting a flu jab, especially if you have a long-term health condition, are pregnant or aged 65 or over as catching flu can make you seriously ill and make complications like pneumonia more likely.

Children experience the same symptoms as adults. Children aged two to four and those aged two to 18 in at-risk groups are eligible for a nasal spray vaccination with no need for an injection. Children aged six months to two years are offered the vaccination by injection.

Ask your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist about flu vaccinations. More information is also available from NHS Choices.

AirAlert

If you or a member of your family suffers from asthma or poor respiratory health, why not sign up for the free airAlert service? It sends you messages about air pollution levels in your area, the day before or on the day so you can make choices about where you go, what you do and whether you need to take medication with you.

You can choose to get a text, voicemail or email alert and can control when they are sent to you. To register or find out more, visit airAlert . 

Flooding

To help protect your property from flooding the Environment Agency suggests three simple steps to follow:

• use the Environment Agency’s maps to find out if you’re at risk of flooding
• sign up for free flood warnings for your area
• prepare a personal flood plan.

More practical advice

The Met Office website is crammed full of practical advice on:

• traveling in the winter
• protecting your home
• keeping warm and keeping well

Spend a few minutes online to help make sure you’re ready for winter.