NHS winter health checker available online

A list of common, winter-specific injuries and ailments have been posted online by NHS Direct along with ways they can be treated and advice on how to avoid them.

By using the health and symptom checker, which is also available via the free NHS Direct mobile app for iPhone and Android smartphones, patients can get an online initial assessment for conditions like diarrhoea, vomiting, colds and flu, which are particularly common during the cold winter weather.

Advice is also provided on how users can treat problems such as limb injuries after slipping over on ice.

As ever NHS Direct's telephone service will be available over the Christmas period and patients can request a call-back from a nurse advisor if they feel further advice is necessary.

Clinical lead at NHS Direct, Jacqui Jedrzejewski, said: 'Older people or some people with long-term conditions like asthma, are more likely to suffer in cold weather, which can trigger symptoms.

'People who suffer from breathing difficulties need to take extra care when they are exercising outside, ensuring they warm up before they start and cool down after.

'It's also advisable to wrap up well when going outside and wear a scarf that covers your nose and mouth, helping to warm up the air before you breathe it in.'

Read NHS Direct's information on winter health

Copyright Press Association 2011