With GPs and hospitals working flat tack, we're being urged to look after ourselves as much as possible

There's been an early winter uptick in respiratory illnesses, on top of the covid-19 case load.

In Christchurch, one medical centre had nine staff test positive with covid in a day...forcing it to turn patients away.

Royal College of GPs medical director Dr Bryan Betty says instead of seeing an overworked GP, many illnesses can be self-managed.

He says people can call services like Healthline or a nurse for advice.