NHS 24 has launched a new campaign to help people enjoy a healthy festive season.
The campaign highlights the benefits of using NHS 24's digital services, such as NHS inform and the NHS 24 Online app, for 'quick, safe and accurate' health information.
Dr Ron Cook, NHS 24's medical director, said: "Approximately a quarter of people who call the 111 service are given self-care advice - which means, with a little bit of preparation, they could have saved themselves a lot of time and looked after symptoms safely and effectively at home.
"The best thing to do if you become unwell is make NHS inform your first port of call.
"The symptom checkers will get you the right clinically assured health advice on a wide range of conditions including coughs, rashes, stomach bugs, or back pain.
"Checking your symptoms this way will tell you how best to manage and what to do next if you need further help."
Dr Cook also advised people to be prepared for common illnesses by having over-the-counter medicines such as painkillers, cold and flu relief, and remedies for upset tummies available at home.
He said: "We want as many people as possible, including both patients and our staff, to enjoy this special time of year.
"If people can look after the common winter illnesses that can be safely cared for at home, it means the 111 service can help those who need it most."
NHS 24 has also provided some tips on how to be prepared for winter.
This includes keeping some medicines to treat common illnesses at home, checking your repeat prescription and ordering only what you need in plenty of time, and being aware that your GP practice and local pharmacy will have amended opening hours over the festive holidays.
If you become unwell, NHS inform and the NHS 24 Online app have symptom checkers to help you decide what to do next.
NHS 24 has also published a winter health page on NHS inform, which is a 'handy resource' to signpost the public to relevant advice for seasonal illnesses and conditions.
For more information on how to stay healthy this winter, visit www.nhsinform.scot/winter.
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