With winter here, coughs, colds, aches and pains will be as common as dark the nights drawing in.

The NHS in West Yorkshire is encouraging people to plan their healthcare for the Christmas and new year period.

The advice for patients is to help tackle common ailments with the help of their local pharmacist, which will help to ensure that illness is nipped in the bud and could also prevent a trip to see the GP over the busy winter period.

Your local pharmacy is on hand to support you and your family. With advice on common winter illnesses and the best medicines to treat them, visiting the pharmacist can save you time in the waiting room and help you feel better fast.

By talking to your pharmacist first you can get the advice and medicines you need, to get you on the road to recovery, without having to see a doctor. Plus, there’s no need to worry about having private conversations at the counter – many pharmacists offer private consultation rooms.

There’s also a reminder for those who require medicines regularly. It’s important to make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you or the person you care for have enough medicine to last over upcoming holiday period.

Kathryn Hilliam, Head of Primary Care Co-Commissioning for NHS England in West Yorkshire, said: “In order to stay well you should plan ahead for repeat prescriptions you’ll need over the holiday break, so please order early and collect in good time.

“Remember, your local pharmacy can help you with more than you might think. Pharmacists offer expert, confidential advice and treatment for many minor health problems, including winter coughs, colds and ‘flu.

“Many pharmacies will also be open over the festive period when other services may have closed.

“And remember to order any medication you need in plenty of time so that you have a good supply over the holidays.”

For information on pharmacists open near you, please visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/north/our-work/pharmacy-information/yorkshire-the-humber/

If you need urgent medical advice, NHS 111 is available 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Simply call 111 for free from your landline or mobile.