Older St Albans residents are being urged to seek help early from their local pharmacist if they are feeling under the weather, to prevent a minor illness developing into something more serious.

Dr Richard Pile, St Albans and Harpenden spokesman for the NHS Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group, said it was, “essential that older people seek help as soon as possible to prevent a trip to hospital if their condition gets worse.”

The group’s 10-week campaign is aimed at encouraging older people to tell a friend, family member or carer if they have a bad cough, cold or sore throat, so they in turn can recommend they seek advice from their local pharmacist.

See www.nhs.uk/asap