If you or a member of your family are feeling unwell, it’s important you know when to stay away from work, nursery or school – and when to seek help and advice.

What service to contact?

Accessing the right service at the right time can help get you seen more quickly.

Use NHS 111 online or the NHS App for quick advice available 24/7.

You can even manage appointments, order prescriptions or view results all in the app to help keep you and your family organised.

Prevention is key – so wash your hands!

All manner of nasty bugs can spread fast in winter and prevention starts with clean hands.

Washing your hands removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to help stop them spreading to other people, surfaces and objects, which can spread illnesses such as food poisoning, flu or diarrhoea.

To beat the bugs, you can sing along while you wash your hands for the amount of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice, which is around 20 seconds.

Cover your hands with soap and rub them together, before rinsing and drying your hands. 

Find out more about how...