Use digital resources for safe and trusted advice
If you are feeling under the weather, our symptom checkers or the NHS 24 Online app may be able to quickly provide the advice you need. They are free to use and designed by the experts at NHS 24.
These tools offer quick information on various symptoms, provide advice on what to do next, and give details of nearby health and care services.
Check your medicines
Prescribed medicines
Check in advance that you have enough of your prescribed medicine to cover the Easter weekend and any other spring public holidays. Your GP practice and pharmacy will need to time to process your request.
Do
- plan ahead
- only order the medicines you need
- make sure you pick up your prescription in plenty time before any holiday closures
Check you have the correct medical supplies at home
Make sure you have some over-the-counter remedies for common illnesses readily available at home.
Accessing medicines self-help guide
If you have run out of prescribed medicine and your GP practice or pharmacy are closed, use the accessing medicines self-help guide to find the medicine you need.
Coronavirus vaccine
NHS Scotland recommends you have the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine if you are eligible
Learn how to manage common illnesses
Coughs, colds, fevers and flu are still common at this time of year. NHS inform has lots of advice about minor illness and how to safely manage your symptoms at home.
Be mindful of the change in weather
The weather can change dramatically from one day to the next during spring. If the sun does happen to make an appearance remember that it is still possible to burn at this time of year.
Stay safe in the sun
You can reduce the amount of UV radiation damage from the sun by following some precautions.
Do
- keep covered up in the sun, especially when is at its hottest (11am to 3pm)
- cover up with a long-sleeved shirt
- wear a hat with a flap or brim that protects the ears and neck
- wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from damage
- get into shade when the sun is at it’s hottest (11am to 3pm)
- ensure you have adequate fresh supplies of suncreen for all the family
- use a sunscreen with at least 4-star UVA protection, and an SPF 30 (sun protection factor 30) to protect against UBV
- use suncreen on any part of the body you can’t cover up – sunscreen does not block all sun rays but can help in areas that cannot be covered
- apply sunscreen as directed on the label
- re-apply sunscreen regularly and liberally
- always re-apply sunscreen after being in water
- remember to apply sunscreen to yourself as well as the kids
Latest guidance on slush ice drinks for children
Slush ice drinks, or ‘slushies’, can contain the ingredient glycerol. This is used as a substitute for sugar at a level needed to create the ‘slush’ effect.
Children aged 4 and under should not consume these drinks. Children aged 10 and under should not consume more than one of these drinks at a time.
Slush ice drinks have the potential to cause side effects like headaches and sickness. This is even more likely when the drinks are consumed:
- in excess
- alongside a lot of physical activity
- with no other food or sugary drinks
Look after your mental wellbeing
If you’re feeling low, anxious or stressed, there are ways you can help look after your mental health.
NHS inform has many resources with more information on how you can maintain your mental wellbeing, including: