A NATIONAL NHS campaign is launched today to encourage the over-60s to seek advice early from their local pharmacist if they are ‘feeling under the weather’.

Every year the NHS sees a huge increase in numbers of emergency admissions to hospital over the colder months. Older people are urged to nip health problems in the bud by seeking early advice from their local pharmacist.

Dr Paul Twomey, Medical Director for NHS England in North Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "Every winter, doctors and nurses see a big increase in the number of older and frail people who are admitted to hospital because of respiratory or other chronic conditions usually worsened by immobility, the cold and predominantly viral illnesses.

“Older people often don’t seek advice for wheezes, coughs and sneezes because they don’t think it’s serious enough and they don’t want to waste anyone's time. We want to get the message across that local pharmacists are highly-trained and will be pleased to give expert advice.

“I would urge older people and those looking after them to seek advice while symptoms are still in the early stages. Nipping problem in the bud often means there won't be serious problems later.

“Pharmacies have long opening hours, you don’t need an appointment and many have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call."

Feeling Under The Weather posters will be seen on bill boards, bus stops, shopping centres and supermarkets. Adverts are also being run in national newspapers, magazines and range of websites, as well as on commercial radio stations.