The number of norovirus cases has almost doubled.

NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have issued advice to keep medicine cabinets and first aid kits well-stocked, in a bid to prevent minor illnesses and injuries from disrupting half-term plans.

Most winter illnesses are expected to be mild and can be self-treated at home with rest, over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen, or with help and advice from a pharmacist.

A well-stocked first aid kit of bandages, plasters, sterile dressings, medical tape, and tweezers can help prevent a trip to the pharmacy, GP practice, minor injury unit, or urgent treatment centre.

Local community pharmacies are able to help in many cases of minor illness or condition, including through the Pharmacy First initiative.

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This initiative helps patients get treatment for seven common conditions, including earache, urinary tract infections, and sinusitis, without needing a GP prescription.

Since its launch earlier this year, there have already been almost 44,000 Pharmacy First consultations in the area.

Carol Anderson, chief nursing officer at NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “By taking simple steps like keeping your medicine cabinet and first aid kit well-stocked, you’ll be able to treat minor illnesses and injuries from the comfort of your own home.

"If you do need help with a medical issue, consider using your nearest community pharmacy or NHS 111 for advice.

“Also, if you’re planning to go away this half term, be sure to order and collect any repeat prescriptions in advance, to avoid running out.

"This can be easily done through the NHS app or NHS online, with many GP practices offering the option to order via their website.”

Further information on local services and how to stay well this autumn can be found on the Well Together This Autumn website.