Be prepared for Easter, say health professionals

With coughs and colds still common during Easter, the NHSScotland campaign is urging people to take a few precautions to look after their health.

Equally, as the Easter break is traditionally a time for firing up the power tools and getting stuck in to some DIY projects, enthusiasts are urged to stock up on plasters and other first aid box essentials and, for small cuts and bruises, don’t make an appointment with the GP practice.

Instead, head to the nearest chemist whose pharmacist is well-equipped to deal with minor mis-haps.

By knowing when their GP surgery is open, re-stocking the medicine cabinet and ordering and collecting repeat prescriptions in plenty of time for Easter, people can ensure they make the most of the holiday weekend.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks, said: “With many GP surgeries across Scotland closed for up to four days over the Easter holiday weekend, it’s vital to plan ahead and ensure peope stay well this Spring.

“There are still many coughs, colds and seasonal illnesses circulating within communities. We are therefore advising people to keep remedies for common ailments available, especially for families with young children. If they take regular repeat medication, it is also important to make sure they have enough to last over the Easter holiday weekend.

“By following these few steps, people can help keep well and make the most of the Easter holiday weekend.”

This year, many GP surgeries will close for four days from Good Friday to Easter Monday, April 3-6, before re-opening on Tuesday, April 7.

However, local opening hours may vary; so, it’s worth checking with your GP.