As the National Health Service (NHS) prepares for a challenging December, anticipated to be the worst-case scenario due to a surge in flu cases, it is advising those feeling unwell to make thoughtful choices regarding their healthcare. By selecting the most appropriate NHS service, patients can receive timely treatment while ensuring that Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments remain available for critical cases.

To assist the public, the NHS, alongside NHS London and the London Ambulance Service, has released a video on Instagram guiding individuals on whom to contact for medical assistance. An NHS representative in the video stated, “Feeling unwell or injured? Different NHS services are ready to assist you.”

The guidance further advises, “It’s crucial to choose the right service. For serious or life-threatening emergencies, dial 999. That’s our primary role. For urgent, non-life-threatening needs, or if you’re uncertain, visit NHS 111 online, use the NHS app, or call 111.”

For less severe issues, local Community Pharmacists are available to offer advice, treatments, and even prescription medications for certain conditions. Opting for the correct service will ensure swifter assistance and allow us to provide care where it’s most needed.”

In the Instagram post’s caption, the NHS emphasized, “Need NHS assistance? Select the right service to ensure prompt and effective treatment. This helps alleviate pressure on A&E, allowing them to focus on the most urgent cases.”

The NHS has previously highlighted the additional strain placed on busy emergency departments by individuals seeking treatment for minor ailments that could be addressed more efficiently elsewhere. In another Instagram update, Dr. Jess Sokolov, the Regional Medical Director for the Midlands, discussed the current pressures on NHS services due to the rise in flu cases, as reported by the Mirror.

Dr Sokolov said: “Our emergency departments are very busy at the moment, and that’s in part due to the level of flu that we’re seeing around the country. We’re seeing much higher levels of flu than we would normally expect at this time of year.

“That means things will be challenging over the next few weeks for our staff, and I’m grateful to the efforts that they always make and will continue to make to keep patients safe. It doesn’t mean that you can’t access care. You can, and you should when you need it.

“Please keep your planned appointments. Please, if you need urgent care, use 111 as your first port of call. If it’s a life or limb-threatening emergency, then use 999 as you normally would.

“But please also let’s help together to reduce the transmission of flu across the country. So let’s take those simple measures like hand-washing, and make sure that if you are eligible for a flu vaccination that you take up that offer as soon as possible.”

The NHS website states: “Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It’s important to get the flu vaccine if you’re advised to.”