Doctor Feelgood.

Over Christmas and New Year, some health care services will be closed for a short period of time. However, if you become unwell or are injured this winter, there are still a range of choices and services available to help you get well.

Here are some top tips from NHS Manchester on getting better and accessing health services over the christmas period.

Self care - hangover, grazed knee, sore throat or cough? Stocking up on basic medicines such as painkillers and cough medicine can help you deal with most minor ailments at home.

NHS Direct - unwell or need help accessing the NHS? This confidential health advice and information service is available on the phone, through digital TV and on the web, 24 hours a day. Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or click here.

Pharmacist - diarrhoea, runny nose, painful cough or headache? Your local pharmacist can give expert advice on common winter illnesses and the best way to treat them.

Go to your GP - vomiting, ear pain, sore belly or backache? GPs offer a range of services by appointment including medical advice, examinations and prescriptions. If you need to see a GP urgently when your surgery is closed, you can reach the out-of-hours GP service by phoning your usual practice number.

NHS Walk-in Centre - cut, strain, itch or sprain? You can get medical advice and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries at your local NHS walk-in centre, without the need for an appointment.

Accident and Emergency/999 - these services are for serious or life threatening illness or injury.

Protection from the flu - the flu jab is available free to over-65s and people of any age with a long term health problem. It offers protection from the seasonal flu, which is a nasty illness that can sometimes lead to more serious health problems. Further information and immunisation are available from GPs.

Advice on the winter vomiting bug (Norovirus) - this is highly contagious so stay at home and rest, get plenty of fluids and avoid contact with other people where possible. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly. If symptoms persist after 2-3 days, call your GP or NHS Direct for advice. Stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms disappear.

This Christmas, you can find local health services and health information on the NHS Manchester website, or the National NHS Choices website.

Also, NHS Manchester has published a Winter Guide to local health services, which has been

distributed to many public buildings across Manchester, and includes details of how to access health advice and support over the next few weeks. To download a copy of the leaflet, click here.

Keep safe and healthy this Christmas.