KEIGHLEY and Craven people are being urged to choose the right service to help them stay well this winter.

NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are reminding people to choose the right service if they become unwell.

Advice from clinical leaders as part of the2017/18 Stay Well This Winter campaign.

By choosing the right service, patients will get the most appropriate treatment as quickly as possible, ensuring the right services are kept available for emergencies and life-threatening conditions.

The CCG says that while the winter brings an increase in bugs and viruses, people can do a lot themselves to prevent becoming ill and manage illnesses at home.

A spokesman said: “Self-care is often the most effective way of managing minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats and upset stomachs. It is important to remember that if symptoms continue people can visit their local pharmacy for advice.

“Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who can advise on a wide range of health and care issues and many minor illnesses or injuries can be treated with over-the-counter medication.

“Many pharmacies have longer opening hours, including weekends, and people can drop in for advice without the need to book an appointment.”

People who start to feel unwell should check their symptoms using the online NHS symptoms checker on the NHS Choices website nhs.uk.

The website also has up-to-date information on a range of illnesses, and a local services finder.

If people need urgent help but it’s not a 999 emergency, call NHS 111 for advice and direction to the most appropriate service.

People are urged only to go to Airedale Hospital’s A&E department or dial 999 in critical or life-threatening situations.

These include loss of consciousness, fits that are not stopping, persistent, severe chest pain (possible signs of a heart attack), severe breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that can't be stopped.

They should also call 999 for possible signs of a stroke, such as slurred speech, a face that droops on one side, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body.