NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is supporting a new campaign encouraging people to seek early help from their pharmacist if they feel under the weather.

The campagn, called “The earlier, the better”, has been launched by NHS England to make sure bad coughs, colds or sore throats are treated early to prevent them getting worse.

Dr Mark Hayes, chief clinical officer at the CCG, said: “It’s easy to forget that our local pharmacists can provide expert guidance on how to help manage long-term conditions, or give advice on the best treatment for a cough or cold.

“It’s essential that older people seek help as soon as possible to prevent a trip to hospital if their condition gets worse – the earlier, the better.”