Autumn 2019Shout until you are hoarse – you won’t get an autumn course of antibiotics

The move from summer into autumn is bound to see a rise in familiar health conditions such as coughs, headaches and chest infections.

One thing that will be different this year is that GPs will be giving the cold shoulder to prescribing antibiotics and the patient will have to manage chest infections and sore throats better.

Resistance to antibiotics is partly caused by too many needless drugs being prescribed. This can make bacteria in your body resistant to the drug. Not being able to respond to antibiotics means that more patients will die of drug-resistant infections.

Instead of badgering your GP for antibiotics, concentrate on clearing colds through painkillers and taking on plenty of water and bed rest. Stop the spread of viruses by keeping your hands clean and catching a sneeze in a handkerchief.

Although it does not create a barrier against all sniffles, the flu jab has a healthy success rate and if you are living with a lifetime condition or caring for someone who has one, you could qualify for a free injection.

Those toddling off to school for the first time should have had their four-in-one pre-school injections to boost immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and whooping cough. This should be administered when a child is four months and three years old, so if your child still needs this vaccination, contact your GP.

Perhaps less well-known is the inoculation of teenagers, and especially those going to university, to prevent the deadly diseases meningitis and septicaemia. Cases of both have risen dramatically.

For some people, shorter days and reducing temperatures are more than just inconveniences. They include those suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), for whom the symptoms of depression are more apparent . As the saying goes, ‘it is okay not to feel okay’ and contacting your doctor about SAD is essential.

Some asthma sufferers will also not be relishing the onset of autumn. Cold air and damp can trigger flare-ups and even attacks and so proper use of your inhaler and sticking to your asthma plan is vital.

The wind and the rain can also make those joints stiffen for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. The expert advice is to keep yourself warm, wear extra layers, put a blanket in every room of your home and insulate it if it is draughty (you could spend some time searching for grants available to help you do this).

The change in seasons to autumn can have an effect on our health, but there are things we can do all year to help ourselves, such as good diet, cutting down on alcohol, getting plenty of exercise and not smoking.

Don’t fall foul of autumn ailments. Instead, make it a season of change - for the better.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Dr Chauhan is a respected GP, health and social care campaigner, and champion of social justice and charity. As a local GP, he has become a powerful advocate for his patients and introduced innovative methods to improve their care. His work mentoring and employing young people has won national recognition.