As the global coronavirus situation continues to develop, many of us are increasingly concerned with the best way to manage our health during this pandemic. We would like to give you some advice about how you can use online services to help reduce the risk of infection and ensure the continuity of your healthcare.
Going online can help
The UK government has advised that all non-essential travel should be stopped, and this is especially important for people aged over 70 years. In addition, around 1.5 million people with serious health conditions have been told to stay at home for 12 weeks. This means more consideration is required when planning everyday tasks such as buying groceries or visiting your GP surgery.
Fortunately, advancements in technology have opened the doors to a number of useful healthcare tools which can help.
The best place to get information about the coronavirus
For the most trustworthy and accurate information about coronavirus, you should visit the NHS dedicated website from the safety of your home.
NHS.UK Coronavirus information
NHS 111 have also set up an online service for those who are concerned that they may have been exposed.
Use the NHS 111 Coronavirus service
Look after your wellbeing
During these stressful times we can begin to feel anxious and our health can suffer as a result. Poor sleep and excess worry can all contribute to feeling tired and overwhelmed but there are things you can do to help look after your wellbeing during periods of isolation:
- Fresh air – open the windows or take your morning coffee in the garden; fresh air helps relax the mind
- Keep a routine – even if you’re working from home or are self isolating, try and keep a routine of getting up, getting dressed and maintaining meal times
- Diet and exercise – make sure you are eating a healthy balanced diet and stay hydrated
- Connect – use technology to connect with friends and family. But consider limiting your consumption of news and social media as this can be overwhelming
- Download an app – there are lots of smartphone and tablet apps out there to help you with your mental health at the moment, such as WYSA, an artificially (and emotionally) intelligent chat service which works as a virtual coach for your mental wellbeing
- Online services – many companies, including pharmacies, supermarkets and some local stores, are able to deliver to you without the need to leave the house
Pharmacy2U is continuing to support patients
As the UK’s first online pharmacy, we have been helping patients to manage their NHS repeat prescriptions remotely for over 20 years. For patients who need a regular supply of medicine but have difficulty leaving their home or who have been advised not to at this time, our service lets you order repeat prescriptions either online or through our app. We then work with your GP to get your prescription and deliver your medication direct to your door, for free.
Our team is working around the clock to support our patients. We are in regular contact with NHS England, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, other pharmacy companies, and our regulator, the General Pharmaceutical Council, following the latest guidance, sharing best practices, and continuing to operate to the highest levels of care under these exceptional circumstances.
We’ve created a specific coronavirus hub to keep our patients updated with the latest information, business updates and advice from our experts, including: supporting vulnerable patients during the coronavirus, advice on self isolation and social distancing for those with a long term health condition and what Covid-19 means for people with heart or circulatory disease.
Please continue to follow NHS guidance: stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives.
