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The winter months are always a challenging time, as they bring higher levels of respiratory conditions, Covid-19, flu and other winter-related illnesses which often affect the most vulnerable people in our communities, writes Dr Dave Briggs, medical director, NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

You can give yourself the best protection by getting vaccinated against Covid-19 and flu.

We have a number of mobile vaccination clinics around Notts for eligible people or you can book a vaccine at another venue, such as a local pharmacy. Find out more at notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/vaccinations/

Your NHS is here for you. There are a range of services available to help.

Dr Dave Briggs is medical director for NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (Photo credit: Tracey Whitefoot)

Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk/ 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for advice, appointments or to get directed to the most appropriate service.

Local pharmacies can help with less urgent conditions and may be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First).

Conditions they can treat through Pharmacy First are: earache (aged 1 to 17 years); impetigo (aged 1 year and over); infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over); shingles (aged 18 years and over); sinusitis (aged 12 years and over); sore throat (aged 5 years and over); urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years).

Some pharmacies open late (until midnight) and at weekends. Find out more about pharmacies near you on notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-services/community-pharmacy/

We also have self-care information to help you manage common conditions such as minor burns and scalds, conjunctivitis, constipation and cystitis on our website at notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/stay-well/self-care/

And we have a range of specific advice for worried parents, covering common illnesses and when to seek treatment for you baby or child.

This covers conditions such as chickenpox, asthma, earache, scarlet fever and many more. Visit https://notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-services/childrens-health-and-wellbeing/

The NHS is there for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week - please help us by always trying to choose the most appropriate service for your needs.

You can find details about all your NHS services and how to access urgent and non-urgent care at www.notts.icb.nus.uk/your-health/urgent-and-non-urgent-care/

Column: Jabs can help to give you the best protection in the winter