HEALTH chiefs in South Gloucestershire are urging people to check their medicine cabinets to ensure immediate relief is at hand if the dreaded lurgy should strike.

Dr Chris Payne, director of public health at the district's Primary Care Trust, said: "Winter does bring more coughs, colds and flu so it's a good idea to be ready.

"Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet will ensure you are able to treat any winter ailments such as cold and flu promptly, increasing your family's chance of a speedier recovery."

Knowing how to treat colds and flu could help speed recovery, he said.

"When you have a cold the best course of action is to drink plenty of fluids, keep warm and rest.

"If you are feverish or have pain, take paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin, making sure you follow the instructions on the label.

"Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16. Check with a pharmacist that these are suitable for you if you are taking any other medicines.

"If you get flu the best thing is to stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat what you can.

"A painkiller such as aspirin or paracetamol will help reduce a high temperature and relieve headaches and muscle pains.

"Again, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and check with a pharmacist if you take any other medicines."

People with flu are generally advised to contact their GP only if symptoms persist for longer than a week.

The elderly or those with other major health problems are advised to phone their GP or NHS Direct for advice if they develop flu symptoms. Medication may be necessary in some cases.

"If you get diarrhoea and vomiting stay away from elderly people, and don't go to school, work or visit people in hospital for 48 hours after the symptoms stop," said Dr Payne.

Items to keep in stock include a thermometer, paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin to help relieve the aches, pains and raised temperatures of colds and flu and sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen syrups for children.

"It's vital that older people keep warm," said Dr Payne. "We want to remind them to wrap up warm, don't go out if it's very cold but do keep active at home, and have warm meals which act as a fuel.

"We also want to remind neighbours how important it is to check on any elderly neighbours and to offer to do shopping for them in bad weather."

Pharmacists were available without appointment and could help with many ailments, he said.

"They can advise on the most suitable medicines and how to get the best from them.

"NHS Direct can also advise when pharmacies are open and have details of opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period."