AS Tameside health authority chair and GP Dr Kailash Chand knows well, the Christmas rush is not just something to expect at the Trafford Centre.

While shops are experiencing record footfall at this time of year, so too are doctors surgeries and A&E departments across the region.

"As certain as Christmas is the ritual of the ‘winter crisis’ in the British calendar," he smiles. "But thankfully it is also built into the fabric of the NHS.

"However, people who inappropriately use the ambulance services and accident and emergency departments for non-emergencies are diverting resources away from those who may be in desperate need of care and urgent attention. It’s important that people know the right place to go to get the best care appropriate for them."

That care might require you to see a doctor and if you do need to seek medical help while your GP surgery is closed there are several NHS walk-in centres that you can visit without an appointment. For out of hours home visits, automated details of which will be available by calling your doctor’s surgery.

Pharmacists are often able to help with many common winter ailments and suggest the best medicines to treat them. And the team at NHS Direct is at the end of a phone for 24 hour confidential health advice should you be worried.

However, looking after yourself and keeping a well stocked medicine cupboard is often all you need to make sure you have a happy and healthy Christmas.

"Many of the health issues people face over Christmas are true for winter as a whole," explains Dr Chand, who this year was named north west GP of the year by the Royal College of GPs.

"Infectious viruses such as coughs, colds, sickness and diarrhoea are more common in the winter months. If you are a normally healthy adult they can be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet, which should include paracetamol, indigestion, anti-diarrhoea and re-hydration remedies. If unsure you can ask your local pharmacist for advice on treatments for common winter illnesses. You should, however, keep away from anyone with any underlying health conditions until you have been free of symptoms for 48 hours."

While infections are common in winter months a strong immune system can help you overcome them more easily. Unfortunately at Christmas time it is easy to neglect your health and become rundown, leaving your body more open to infection and less able to fight it. Trying to juggle work, family life and extra social commitments at this time of year can be stressful, putting extra pressure on the immune system.

At this time of year it is even more important that you eat well, keep hydrated by drinking at least 1.5 litres of water every day, make sure you take regular light exercise and try to get at least 7 hours sleep a night.

"Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm," explains Dr Chand. "So, try to make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.

"Keeping warm is not just an old wives tale and it’s important to heat your home well. The ideal temperature is between 18-21C or 64-70F. If you feel cold at night, use a hot water bottle or electric blanket – but never use both together.

"During the short winter days try and stay active and get outside in daylight if possible. In bad weather, take sensible precautions to avoid falls and fractures.

"In particularly cold weather it is important to consider hypothermia. Remember that alcohol can contribute to lowering your core body temperature so use common sense in terms of what you wear and how much you drink on nights out. Wear several thin layers of clothing rather than one thick layer and when outdoors wear a warm hat, gloves and scarf to help keep out the cold."

Good hygiene, which includes using tissues, disposing of them properly and washing hands thoroughly, can also help to prevent the spread of infection.

However, for some people precautionary measures may include being vaccinated against flu.

If you are in an at risk group you should have received an invitation from your local PCT to attend a vaccination clinic. If you have had the seasonal flu vaccine you may be called for the swine flu vaccine as well. You can have them both and if you have been invited it is recommended that you go.

However, the groups which are considered to be at risk for seasonal flu and swine flu are different so you might be called for one and not the other.

"Pregnant women are at a significantly increased risk of complications from swine flu, to both themselves and their babies, if they contract the virus," warns Dr Chand. "Getting the vaccine is a way of considerably reducing that risk and the Department of Health is strongly recommending that women take up the offer of the vaccination.

"If you are in another at-risk group, such as those with asthma, heart disease, lung problems, immune disorders, you really should have the vaccine."

We are now into the second wave of the swine flu pandemic. The good news is that it may be peaking lower and earlier than expected.

For the vast majority of the population, swine flu is a mild condition which can be treated with over the counter flu remedies and plenty of rest. You can call the National Pandemic Flu Service for advice and anti-viral medication on 0800 1 513 513.

People with serious underlying illness, pregnant women, children under one or those whose condition suddenly worsens should consult their GP if they are concerned they have swine flu.

Who to call?

Use out of hours services only when you think you problem is something that can’t wait until your GP practice is open.

NHS Direct is available on 0845 46 47 for 24 hour advice.

Your local pharmacist can provide advice on common winter illnesses and how best to treat them.

Call NHS Direct for details of your nearest pharmacy or NHS Walk-In Centre open on Christmas day, Boxing day or New Year’s day or visit nhs.uk/p

Only visit the hospital’s A&E department or dial 999 in a genuine emergency such as loss of consciousness, heavy blood loss, suspected broken bones, persistent chest pain for 15 minutes or more, difficulty breathing or overdose.