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Protecting Cardiff: Your Guide to Flu Prevention and the Flu Vaccine

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flu vaccine cardiff

Get the Flu Vaccine in Cardiff

Are you looking to get your flu vaccine in Cardiff? As your trusted neighbourhood pharmacy, Knights Pharmacy in Cardiff is committed to keeping our community healthy and safe. With flu season approaching, it’s essential to arm yourself with knowledge on how to prevent the flu and the benefits of the flu vaccine. In this blog, we will explore the flu, ways to prevent it, and why getting the flu vaccine at Knights Pharmacy is a wise choice for your well-being.

Understanding the Flu

The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can lead to mild to severe symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. In some cases, the flu can result in hospitalization and even death, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

 

flu vaccine cardiff

 

Preventing the Flu

Preventing the flu is essential, and there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you:

  1. Hand Hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap is unavailable, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  2. Respiratory Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of germs.
  3. Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from people who are sick, and if you are unwell, stay home to avoid infecting others.
  4. Clean and Disinfect: Frequently touched surfaces in your home, workplace, and public spaces should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
  5. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to boost your immune system.

The Flu Vaccine in Cardiff

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine. Knights Pharmacy in Cardiff proudly offers this service, making it convenient and accessible for our community.

Why Get the Flu Vaccine at Knights Pharmacy in Cardiff?

  1. Expert Guidance: Our pharmacists are trained to provide you with the information you need about the flu vaccine. We can answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.
  2. Convenient Location: We understand that your time is valuable. Our pharmacy is centrally located in Cardiff, making it easy for you to drop by and get vaccinated.
  3. Quick and Painless: The flu vaccine is a quick and virtually painless shot that offers protection throughout the flu season.
  4. No Appointment Necessary: At Knights Pharmacy, you don’t need an appointment to get your flu vaccine. Walk-ins are welcome, ensuring you can receive your vaccination at your convenience.
  5. Affordable Pricing: We offer competitive pricing for the flu vaccine, making it accessible for everyone in our community.

 

 

Book Your Appointment

Protecting yourself and your loved ones from the flu is a responsibility we take seriously at Knights Pharmacy in Cardiff. By practicing good hygiene, following preventive measures, and getting your flu vaccine, you can reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the flu. Remember, we are here to serve you and provide the flu vaccine conveniently and affordably. Stop by Knights Pharmacy today and take the proactive step towards a flu-free season. Your health is our priority!

Stay safe, Cardiff, and let’s keep our community flu-free together!

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This blog was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

Stay Healthy With The 2023 Flu Vaccine in Middlesborough

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flu vaccine middlesborough

Get Your 2023 Flu Vaccine in Middlesborough

Are you looking to get your seasonal flu vaccine in Middlesborough? We understand that staying healthy is a top priority for you and your loved ones. At Knights Pharmacy in Middlesbrough, we are committed to promoting health and wellness in our community. In this blog, we’ll discuss the flu, ways to prevent it, and the importance of the flu vaccine, which is available right here at our pharmacy.

Understanding the Flu

The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. In some cases, the flu can even be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Preventing the Flu

Prevention is key when it comes to the flu. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting and spreading the virus:

  1. Get Vaccinated: One of the most effective ways to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine. The vaccine is safe and highly recommended by healthcare professionals. It helps your immune system recognize and fight the virus, reducing the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.
  2. Practice Good Hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help remove germs from your hands. If soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  3. Cover Your Mouth and Nose: When you cough or sneeze, use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose. Dispose of tissues properly and wash your hands afterward.
  4. Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from individuals who are sick, and if you are sick, try to stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others.
  5. Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home, school, or workplace.

 

flu vaccine in middlesborough

 

The Flu Vaccine in Middlesbrough

At Knights Pharmacy in Middlesbrough, we offer flu vaccinations to help protect our community from the flu. While the NHS provides free flu vaccines to eligible individuals, we also provide the service to those who may not qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination.

Who Can Get the NHS Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who fall into the following categories:

  • Individuals aged 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024).
  • Those with certain health conditions.
  • Pregnant individuals.
  • Residents in long-stay residential care.
  • Those receiving a carer’s allowance or serving as the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick.
  • People living with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or individuals undergoing specific treatments for cancer, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.

If you do not qualify for the free NHS flu vaccination but still want to protect yourself and your loved ones, you can obtain the flu vaccine privately through our pharmacy in Middlesbrough. Our team of healthcare professionals is here to assist you.

 

flu vaccine middlesborough

 

Book Your Flu Vaccination

Don’t wait until flu season is in full swing. Protect your health and the health of those around you by getting a flu vaccine. Book your flu vaccination appointment at Knights Pharmacy in Middlesbrough today. Our experienced pharmacists are here to answer your questions and provide you with the care you deserve.

Remember, prevention is the best medicine. By taking proactive steps, such as getting vaccinated and practising good hygiene, you can reduce the risk of falling ill with the flu. Your health matters to us, and we’re here to support you in staying flu-free this season.

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This blog was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

The Flu, Prevention, and the Flu Vaccine in Liverpool

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flu vaccine liverpool

Get Your Flu Vaccine in Liverpool

Are you looking to get your flu vaccine in Liverpool? Look no further than Knights Pharmacy, your friendly neighbourhood pharmacy. As the seasons change and the temperatures drop, the flu virus becomes more active. Fortunately, we’re here to share valuable information on how you can prevent the flu and, if necessary, obtain a flu vaccine right here in Liverpool. Let’s dive in and explore the importance of flu prevention and the flu vaccine.

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Understanding the Flu

The flu, short for influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and sometimes even hospitalization or death. The flu typically spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s essential to understand how to prevent its spread.

Ways to Prevent the Flu

  1. Flu Vaccination: The most effective way to protect yourself from the flu is by getting vaccinated. The flu vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, making it better equipped to fight the virus if you’re exposed.
  2. Hand Hygiene: Regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help prevent the flu virus from spreading through touch.
  3. Respiratory Hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of tissues properly. This practice helps prevent the spread of the virus through respiratory droplets.
  4. Avoid Close Contact: If you’re feeling unwell, it’s best to stay home to prevent infecting others. Maintain physical distance from people who are sick to reduce your risk of exposure.
  5. Clean and Disinfect: Frequently touched surfaces and objects can harbour the flu virus. Regularly clean and disinfect these areas, especially in shared spaces.

 

flu vaccine liverpool

 

The Flu Vaccine in Liverpool

At Knights Pharmacy in Liverpool, we offer the flu vaccine to keep you protected during the flu season. You may wonder who is eligible for the free NHS flu vaccine. Here are the criteria:

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

  • are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
  • have certain health conditions
  • are pregnant
  • are in long-stay residential care
  • receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
  • live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

If you fall under any of these categories, you are eligible for a free flu vaccine through the NHS.

However, if you are not eligible for the free NHS flu vaccination, you can still obtain one privately through our pharmacy. We are here to ensure that everyone in Liverpool has access to this essential preventive measure. Book your flu vaccine appointment with us today!

Book an Appointment

Preventing the flu is a community effort, and getting vaccinated is the first line of defence. At Knights Pharmacy in Liverpool, we are committed to helping you stay healthy throughout the flu season. Whether you’re eligible for the free NHS flu vaccine or seeking a private vaccination, we’re here to serve you. Protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu – book your flu vaccine appointment with us today. Together, we can keep Liverpool healthy and flu-free! Contact us to find out more.

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This blog was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

Protecting Your Health: The Importance of the Flu Vaccine in Birmingham

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Get Your Flu Vaccine in Birmingham

Are you looking to get your flu vaccine in Birmingham? As your trusted neighbourhood pharmacy, Knights Pharmacy is dedicated to ensuring your well-being. In today’s blog, we’ll delve into the flu, its prevention, and the vital role that the flu vaccine plays in keeping you and your loved ones healthy. If you’re searching for a flu vaccine in Birmingham, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore everything you need to know about the flu and how you can stay protected.

Book Appointment
 

Understanding the Flu

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can affect people of all ages and can lead to mild to severe symptoms, hospitalisation, or even death. The flu typically spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. To protect yourself and your community, it’s crucial to understand how to prevent the flu.

Preventing the Flu

Preventing the flu is not only about protecting yourself but also about contributing to the overall health of your community. Here are some effective ways to prevent the flu:

  1. Flu Vaccine: The most effective way to prevent the flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine. Knights Pharmacy in Birmingham offers flu vaccinations to help you stay protected.
  2. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  3. Cover Your Mouth and Nose: Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues properly and wash your hands afterward.
  4. Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from people who are sick, and if you’re unwell, stay home to prevent spreading the virus.
  5. Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school.
  6. Practice Respiratory Hygiene: Wear a mask in public settings, especially when social distancing is not possible.

 

flu vaccine birmingham

 

The Importance of the Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing the flu and its potentially severe complications. Here’s why you should consider getting vaccinated:

  1. Effective Protection: The flu vaccine significantly reduces your risk of contracting the flu and its complications, such as pneumonia and hospitalisation.
  2. Herd Immunity: When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, protecting those who cannot receive the vaccine, such as infants and individuals with certain medical conditions.
  3. Yearly Update: The flu virus changes each year, and the vaccine is updated to match the most prevalent strains. Getting an annual flu shot ensures you are protected against the latest variants.
  4. Quick and Convenient: Getting a flu shot is a quick and simple process. Knights Pharmacy in Birmingham offers convenient access to flu vaccinations, making it easy for you to prioritise your health.

Who can get the NHS Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

  • are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
  • have certain health conditions
  • are pregnant
  • are in long-stay residential care
  • receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
  • live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain
  • treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

If you are not eligible for the free NHS flu vaccination, you can still obtain one privately through our pharmacy. Book yours now. 

Knights Pharmacy: Your Flu Vaccination Destination in Birmingham

At Knights Pharmacy, we prioritise your health and well-being. We offer flu vaccinations to residents of Birmingham, making it convenient for you to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. Here’s why you should choose us for your flu vaccination:

  • Professional Expertise: Our pharmacists are trained to administer vaccines safely and effectively.
  • Convenient Location: Our Birmingham pharmacy is easily accessible, ensuring you can get your flu shot without hassle.
  • Community Commitment: We are dedicated to promoting community health and well-being, and offering flu vaccinations is one way we contribute to a healthier Birmingham.

 

flu vaccine birmingham

 

Book an Appointment

As your neighbourhood pharmacy in Birmingham, Knights Pharmacy is committed to helping you stay healthy and protected. Getting your annual flu vaccine is a responsible and effective way to prevent the flu and its complications. Don’t wait; visit us today and take the first step towards a flu-free season. Your health matters to us, and together, we can create a healthier Birmingham for all. Contact us today for more information.

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This blog was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

What are the Best Ways to Boost Your Children’s Health & Wellbeing?

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childrens health and wellbeing

Children’s health is the physical, mental, and social well-being of children. This includes a variety of elements, including having access to healthy food, physical activity, and medical care, as well as forming wholesome routines and behaviours. A secure and encouraging environment, including access to education, chances for play, and socialising, are necessary for good child health. Keep reading to learn more about children’s health and well-being.

What are common health problems in children?

Children may suffer from a variety of common ailments. The most common are:

  • Bronchiolitis
  • Diarrhoea and vomiting
  • Chickenpox
  • Cough
  • Croup
  • Sore throat
  • Cold
  • Measles
  • Kawasaki disease
  • Asthma
  • Fever
  • Earache
  • Mumps
  • Roseola
  • Scarlet fever
  • Rubella
  • Meningitis
  • Skin rashes
  • Whooping cough

Your child can receive treatment from your doctor, who can also write prescriptions. A pharmacist can also diagnose illnesses and give your child medication recommendations.

If your child is sick, you can visit your local pharmacy. The child will receive treatment through the NHS’s minor ailment scheme, which is available to anyone under the age of 16 who does not have prescription fees to pay. After consulting with the pharmacist, they might be able to offer you medications without charging you or requiring that you make a doctor’s appointment. You’ll be informed if your child has to visit a doctor. If your child shows symptoms of a serious illness, call your doctor right away or take them right to the emergency room of your nearest hospital.

childrens health and wellbeing

How can I boost my children’s health and well-being?

Basically, maintaining good health is the best method to keep the immune system strong.

Below are ways you can support your children’s health.

Give them a balanced diet – This includes nutritious grains, lean protein, and plenty of fruits and vegetables (five servings a day are advised). Dairy products or other calcium-rich foods and healthy fats like vegetable oils are other components of a balanced diet.

Make sure they get adequate sleep – Children require different amounts of sleep depending on their age (12 to 16 hours for infants to 8 to 10 hours for teens).

Get them exercising – Being active helps us stay healthy and fend off illness. Children should be active for an hour every day. Considering a walk or playground play as “active,” along with sports and gym workouts, is also possible.

Ensure that they have had all necessary vaccinations – Vaccinations shield us from a variety of diseases. Ask your doctor if your child has received all required vaccines.

Don’t forget to follow the easy precautions – Everyone in the family may assist maintain their health by taking easy protective measures. Wash your hands. Cover your coughs and sneezes using your elbow, and avoid being around sick individuals.

Why does my child keep getting ill at school?

Immune systems in children under the age of seven are undeveloped. Young children especially those who may be attending school or daycare are being exposed to new situations and new pathogens, or germs that they have never encountered before.

Young children may spread viruses more quickly at school or daycare since they are unable to sneeze or cough while covering their mouths. Additionally, young kids’ upper airways don’t fully develop until they’re of school age, which puts them at risk for recurring bacterial and viral illnesses.

Knights Pharmacy Branch

Visit your nearest Knights Pharmacy branch to learn more about how to boost children’s health and well-being. Also check out our range of treatments for children’s healthcare at chemist.net.

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This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor

How Do You Avoid Getting the Flu as a Student?

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how to avoid freshers' flu

The flu is an infection that affects the respiratory system including your nose, throat, and lungs. It is brought on by a virus that is quickly transmitted from one person to another. The flu is typically more prevalent during the colder months of the year. Are you a student or planning to join a college or university? Keep reading to find out how to avoid freshers’ flu.

How do I know if I have the flu?

People typically feel worse when they have the flu than they do when they have a cold. The majority of people begin to feel unwell about two days after first coming into contact with the flu virus. They could’ve:

  • A fever that comes on suddenly
  • Chills
  • Runny nose
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • A cough
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Ear pain
  • Diarrhoea

Additionally, babies with the flu may suddenly appear cranky or “not look right.”

What causes the flu?

The flu, derived from the name ‘influenza’ is mainly caused by the influenza virus. It spreads when contaminated droplets from coughing or sneezing are breathed in by other people. The droplets can also fall on objects like shopping carts or doorknobs, infecting anyone who touches them.

how to avoid freshers' flu

Is the flu contagious?

The flu is highly contagious. People can transmit it from the day before they start to feel ill until their symptoms have subsided. For adults, this lasts around a week; however, for young children, it may last longer.

The flu usually occurs annually, causing an epidemic. When a disease spreads swiftly and infects many people in a region at once, it is called an epidemic. The outbreak varies from year to year in severity and scope. A pandemic is an epidemic that spreads globally. This is far less often.

What’s the best way to avoid freshers’ flu?

  • Drink a lot of fluids, especially water and tea – This will help the body cleanse and heal itself.
  • Get adequate sleep – Your body works hard to repair, enhance, and restore your energy while you are asleep. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep per day.
  • Keep tissues and nasal spray with you at all times – A blocked nose can be a pain, especially in the classroom, where it can irritate other students. Additionally, using and discarding tissues will assist prevent the transmission of germs.
  • Take a night off – It can be tempting to attend social gatherings every night during the first few days or weeks of college or university but try as much as possible to avoid some so that you can rest. Your body will need it.
  • Always carry a scarf or hat – The wind and cold weather should not be disregarded. To prevent the condition from growing worse, wrap up warmly.
  • Avoid alcohol – Although it may be difficult to do so during fresher’s week, drinking while sick will make your body feel worse.

Why do illnesses spread so quickly at universities?

College and university campuses have excellent breeding grounds for contagious diseases, making it difficult to stop the spread of these diseases there. Students share meals and drinks in the dining halls, live in close quarters, and have intimate interactions while in class. Outbreaks can spread rapidly in these environments.

how to avoid freshers' flu

How to avoid freshers’ flu?

Book your appointment with or visit your nearest Knights Pharmacy branch to get vaccinated and learn how to avoid freshers’ flu. You can also shop online at Chemist.net for products to relieve your symptoms from a cold and the flu.

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This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor

How Do You Stay Healthy During Winter?

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winter wellness in West Midlands

The common viral infection known as the flu affects the respiratory system. This infectious illness is typically caused by the influenza virus. The majority of flu infections have a short duration and are easy to handle at home. Some cases however, may become severe and serious, requiring prompt medical intervention. This can be the case especially amongst babies and young children, elderly individuals, those with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant women. But using at-home remedies is usually the best way to alleviate the symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about winter wellness in the West Midlands and how to treat a cold and the flu with the support of our pharmacy.

Flu symptoms

The following list includes some typical flu symptoms:

  • Fever of 38°C or above
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • A headache
  • A dry, chesty cough
  • General aches and pains

Symptoms of a common cold

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Watery eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Fever (even though most people with cold do not experience fever)

The flu can also cause cold-like symptoms like a runny or congested nose, a sore throat, and sneezing, though these often disappear more quickly than your other symptoms.

winter wellness in the West Midlands

Winter wellness in the West Midlands: How do you stay healthy in winter?

Here are some suggestions to keep you healthy during the winter and the following months:

Update your vaccinations

Take steps to protect your loved ones and yourself during this winter season. If you haven’t already, make sure to get your flu jab, because January is when the flu season is at its worst. Flu vaccines should be administered to everyone over the age of six months.

Maintain good hygiene

This winter, viruses including the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19 are all circulating, so it’s crucial to practice good hygiene. Use proper hygiene to protect yourself and stop the spread of these infections.

Protect your heart for winter wellness

According to the British Heart Foundation, the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related diseases rises when the temperature drops. Your heart has to work harder in cold conditions to keep your body warm.

Stay hydrated for winter wellness in the West Midlands

Summer heat and sweating usually trigger the urge to drink water, but it’s equally crucial to stay hydrated in the winter. You can stay energised, protect your skin from the dry, chilly winter air, and keep your body functioning at its best by being hydrated.

Get vitamin D

A lack of vitamin D may occur if you spend more time indoors, meaning your skin is not getting enough sunlight. Getting enough vitamin D is essential for bone health.

Fortified cereals, low-fat dairy products like yoghurt and cheese, eggs and fish are all excellent sources of vitamin D. Consider taking a vitamin D supplement if diet alone is inadequate.

How can the pharmacy help me treat colds & the flu for winter wellness?

You may lessen your risk of contracting colds and the flu by regularly washing your hands, getting plenty of rest, eating healthily, drinking plenty of fluids, social distancing from sick people, and getting vaccinated. Medications can be used to treat symptoms like fever, pain, and coughing.

Colds and the flu cannot be treated by medication. However, there are numerous over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can reduce the discomfort brought on by cold and flu symptoms. Additionally, there are over-the-counter drugs and a vaccine that can both prevent and treat the flu.

winter wellness in the West Midlands

Learn about winter wellness in the West Midlands

Visit your nearest Knights Pharmacy branch today or book your appointment to learn more about winter wellness in the West Midlands. You can also shop online at Chemist.net for cold and flu treatments.

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This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor