With a long weekend (and winter) just around the corner, now’s the time to make sure you know when and where to access care if you or your family get sick.

Your General Practice (GP) team is your first port of call for health advice – so make sure you’ve got the number on speed dial.

“Germs don’t care if it’s a public holiday or that you’ve got a busy weekend of activities planned, they can strike at any time. That’s why it’s so important to know that your GP team provides free health advice 24/7,” says Bernice Marra, Ashburton Health Services Manager.

“Even after hours, calling your usual General Practice number will connect you to a nurse who will advise you what to do and where to go if you need urgent care.”

If you are not enrolled with a GP you can call any General Practice number after hours for free advice. If it’s an emergency, you should call 111.

Dr Sue Fowlie, spokesperson for Mid-Canterbury GPs, says the long weekend is a timely reminder to be proactive about your health. “If you take medication regularly it’s sensible to routinely check that you have enough stock – don’t wait until you have almost run out.”

She added that now is the perfect time to prepare for the cold and flu season. “With the recent cold snap reminding us winter is only just beginning, it’s time to make sure you’re in the best health to tackle typical winter illnesses. One way to do that is by getting the flu shot well before flu numbers start to climb.

“Your body needs two weeks to develop its best defences, so if you wait until someone close to you gets flu before you get your flu shot, you could still be vulnerable.”

“If you do experience flu-like symptoms, stay at home and rest. By staying at home you can help prevent germs spreading.”

The flu vaccine is available from your GP team and is free to pregnant women, people aged over 65 and anyone with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma or a heart condition.

Check the General Medical Practice Finder map for details of your closest GP.