Don't let the flu put you out of action this winter. Make the most of cheap broadband from Plusnet and use the web to ward off colds and flu. Just read on to learn more about finding health information and products online, and beat flu season using broadband. 'Tis the season to be jolly … but it's also the time of year when winter colds, bugs and flu start doing the rounds. There's no need to worry though, as you can use your Plusnet broadband to find all the health information and flu-fighting products you'll need to feel on top form, no matter how cold it gets outside. Here are our top tips on how to use the web to stay healthy this winter and - if you can't avoid catching a cold or the flu - how to take good care of yourself. Use the web to …
Learn more about the flu
Staying informed is the key to staying healthy – so use your Plusnet broadband to find out everything you need to know about the flu. The NHS site is a great place to start. It's packed with information about seasonal flu, including details about the symptoms, causes and treatment of flu, as well as advice about how to tell the difference between a cold and the flu, when to contact a doctor and who should have a seasonal flu vaccination. Boots' Web MD service is also really handy if you're looking to self-diagnose your symptoms and find out whether those seasonal sneezes and sniffles are flu or head-cold related.
Find out where to get a flu jab
According to the NHS, you should have the flu vaccination if you're in a high-risk group. These groups include the over-65s, pregnant women, people with serious medical conditions, carers, frontline health and social care workers, and care home residents. If you think you fall into one of these categories, you should contact your G.P. to discuss whether you qualify for a free flu jab. If not, you can use your cheap broadband to surf the web for pharmacies and high-street chemists offering flu vaccination services.
Find out where your nearest pharmacy is
If you aren't sure where your nearest pharmacy is, you can use your Plusnet broadband to access the Internet and check on Google Maps. You can also find out when it's open – particularly important during Christmas and New Year as pharmacies within one area usually open on a rotation basis, so check to see which ones are offering late night and bank holiday services.
Order medications online
It's worth using your Plusnet broadband to go online and order some seasonal healthcare products, like throat sweets, hot lemon drinks, painkillers and so on, so you can make sure you have everything to hand should you suddenly become ill. Some major online pharmacies even offer online prescription services, so you can arrange for one-off or repeat prescription medications to be delivered to your door. Just make sure you use a trusted supplier when ordering medications or healthcare products online.
Have your groceries delivered
If you are feeling under the weather, make sure you wrap up warm and stay indoors. Many of the major supermarkets offer home delivery services, so take advantage of your Plusnet broadband to order your groceries online. Make sure you add a few treats into your basket too, just to cheer yourself up.
Keep in touch with friends and family
Being stuck at home on your own when you're feeling poorly can sometimes feel quite lonely. With cheap broadband from Plusnet, you can use your email, Skype, Twitter and Facebook accounts to stay in touch with your friends and family without worrying about giving them any nasty germs.
Stay entertained
Being ill can be pretty boring too – but with Plusnet broadband, you can use the Internet to access a wide range of entertainment to enjoy while you're stuck in bed or on the sofa. Catch up with some great TV shows using the BBC's iPlayer, Channel 4's 4OD, ITV Player or Demand 5; download e-books for your e-reader, iPad or smartphone; listen to your favourite tunes on Spotify; or catch up with what's going on in the world by visiting your favourite newspaper's website. Have you got any tips on how to use your broadband to avoid, or deal with, winter colds and flu? Just let us know by leaving a comment below …