November 2004
With the onset of winter, so too follow the usual coughs and colds that make us all feel under the weather from time to time.

Very often a common cold may not be serious enough for you to see a doctor, but how do you know? There is now a comprehensive 64-page self-help health guide published by NHS Direct, in the back of your Thomson Local directory.

The new guide aims to provide a handy reference for many every day conditions. Each section features useful questions and answers on everything from festive flu to winter chills, which allow you to quickly assess your symptoms and directs you to the best course of action to follow.

Cold & Flu flowchart

So if you or a member of your family finds themselves with the shivers, a temperature or the sneezes this winter, you know where to turn to first.

NHS Direct
Underpinning the self-help guide is the NHS Direct telephone service itself. Staffed by experienced nurses and professional advisors, the 24-hour, confidential helpline provides health advice and information for you and all your family. Details of how to contact the NHS Direct telephone service can be found at the start of the guide. There's also information about how to access the NHS Direct Online website for health information.

So look no further than the back of your Thomson Local directory for sound healthcare advice this winter.

For further information please contact our press office.