Winter can bring an increase in coughs, colds, flu and other illnesses. You can stay well by preparing your medicines, getting eligible vaccinations and knowing where to get help if you become unwell. NHS inform has trusted advice to help you manage common symptoms and choose the right care.
Check your symptoms
If you’re feeling unwell, use the NHS inform symptom checkers for quick and trusted NHS advice online. They’ll help you understand your symptoms and find out what to do next.
With the symptom checkers, you can:
- find out what to do if you need more advice or treatment
- answer a few simple questions
- get advice on how to safely manage your illness or condition at home
Order your prescribed medicines
If you take prescribed medicines, check that you have enough to last over Christmas and New Year. Check your GP practice and pharmacy opening times and order what you need in plenty of time.
Try to:
- plan ahead
- only order what you need
- collect your prescription before any holiday closures
If you run out of prescribed medicine when your GP practice or pharmacy is closed, use the accessing medicines guide to find out what to do.
The accessing medicines guide can help you find out where to get the medicines you need. This can be useful if you run out of your prescribed medicine and your GP practice or pharmacy are closed.
Managing common winter illnesses
Many common winter illnesses, like coughs, colds and flu, get better on their own with rest and the right self-care.
If you become unwell, get advice from the NHS inform winter illness hub on how to manage your symptoms.
How your local pharmacy can help
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland offers advice and treatment for minor illnesses like coughs, colds and sore throats at your local community pharmacy.
You can use the service if you live in Scotland or are registered with a Scottish GP practice. Appointments are not usually needed. The pharmacy team can also refer you for further care if needed.
What medicines should you keep at home?
It can be helpful to keep some over-the-counter medicines and basic medical supplies at home. This can help to manage common illnesses and minor injuries.
These medicines might include:
- pain relief, like paracetamol and ibuprofen
- antihistamines for allergies
- remedies for indigestion or diarrhoea
- a basic first aid kit
- medicines for children
- a thermometer to check for fever
Do
- check the label or speak to your pharmacist to make sure medicines are suitable for you or someone you care for
- follow the instructions on the medicine packaging
- only buy what you need
- check expiry dates regularly
Who can get winter vaccines in Scotland?
Flu and coronavirus vaccines help protect against serious illness in winter.
In Scotland, eligibility differs for each vaccine and is reviewed every year. If you’re eligible it’s recommended you get vaccinated when offered.
Check which winter vaccines you can get and how to book your appointment
Stay well in cold weather
Keeping your home and body warm during the colder months helps protect your health and wellbeing.
Get advice about:
Look after your mental health and wellbeing
Shorter days and colder weather can affect your mental wellbeing during winter.
If you’re finding this time difficult, it may be helpful to:
- connect with family and friends online or by phone if it’s difficult to get out
- keep physically active when you can
- eat well – try to choose a variety of foods to get the nutrients you need
Get advice about:
Look out for others
Check in on neighbours, relatives, or anyone who might need extra support during winter.
Check that they:
- are keeping physically and mentally well
- are warm enough
- have enough food
- have enough prescribed medicine if bad weather prevents them from going out
If you’re concerned someone is struggling, find advice and support from:
- your local council – local services and support
- Age Scotland – support for older people
- the Energy Saving Trust – energy cost advice
- Ready Scotland – help preparing for bad weather
- the Met Office – the latest weather warnings