A CAMPAIGN to ensure people are prepared for winter has been launched.

A group of Glasgow schoolchildren were joined at Snow Factor at Xscape, in Braehead, by Scottish Health Secretary Alex Neil and NHS 24 Director of Nursing and Care, Sheena Wright, to launch the Be Ready for Winter campaign.

The NHS Scotland campaign will remind people to restock their medicine cabinets, check their repeat prescriptions and know when their GP surgery is closed, to ensure they are well prepared for the winter.

Mr Neil said: "This time of year is always very busy, especially for families with young children, and it's easy to forget things like ordering your repeat prescription.

"Just a few simple steps such as finding out what services are open and stocking your medicine cupboard can help prevent winter coughs and colds from spoiling the holiday season.

"It will also ensure that life-saving emergency services are kept free for those who really need them."

This year, GP surgeries will be closed for two days over Christmas, on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 25 and 26, and again for two days at New Year, on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 1 and 2.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, director of public health for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "Self-caring during winter can help people fend off common illnesses and enable local health services to provide help where it is most needed.

"Common colds, coughs and seasonal flu can be treated by keeping warm, resting and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are available without prescription and can reduce high temperatures and ease aches and pains.

"A pharmacist can also advise you on which medicines you may need, meaning you don't have to wait to see a doctor.

"I would particularly encourage everyone eligible to arrange to get their free seasonal flu vaccination. This is the most effective way of protecting yourself from the illness."

The national Be Ready for Winter campaign is supported by NHS Scotland in partnership with NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service and all 14 Scottish health boards.

n General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk/winter or by contacting NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88