This advice should help overcome ongoing concerns about waiting times and appointments at local GPs over the festive period.
NHS 24 has launched its annual winter preparedness campaign, ‘Healthy Knowledge’, to help people manage common winter ailments with tips and reminders ahead of the festive holidays.
The campaign reminds people who rely on repeat prescriptions to check they have enough to last through the holidays and to reorder in plenty of time. It also highlights the benefits of using NHS digital tools to find accurate and reliable clinical information online for free.
Dr Ron Cook, associate medical director of NHS 24, said most winter coughs and colds can be managed safely and effectively at home.
“Nearly a third of calls to NHS 24’s 111 service result in self-care advice so people can save their time by being prepared, and if they think they need to talk to someone or their symptoms are not improving, they can check our website. Web or app first.
“You should have things like pain relievers and cold and flu medicines in the cupboard, just in case. A little preparation can pay off to make sure relatively minor health issues don’t cause more problems.
This year, GP surgeries will be closed for four days at Christmas (23-26 December) and four days again at New Year’s Day (30 December-2 January).
Everything related to winter health can be found at https://www.nhsinform.scot/winter.
