SOUTH Ayrshire residents are being urged to prepare to cope with any common health concerns over the Easter break.

With many GP practices and pharmacies closing for the holiday, community pharmacists are providing answers on choosing and using the right medicine and provide easy-to-understand advice on treating everyday ailments such as coughs, colds and flu. 

You can do a number of things to ensure you are prepared to deal with common illnesses for the coming months. 

It is advised to have a sufficient supply of medicines like paracetamol, sore throat and cough remedies, as these will help to relieve the symptoms of many common ailments. 

A spokesperson for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said: "If you take regular medication, check your existing supplies and only order what you need to ensure you have enough to see you through the weekend, Good Friday, Easter Monday and for any holidays away from home."

Most pharmacies in South Ayrshire are open on Good Friday, April 14, as normal with the exception of:

Alloway Pharmacy, 21 Alloway, Ayr – closed
Ogg & Co, 44 Newmarket Street, Ayr – closed
Coylton Pharmacy, 13 Main Street, Coylton – closed
Mossblown Chemist, Mauchline Road, Mossblown – closed
Newfield Pharmacy, 47 Brewlands Drive, Symington – closed
Tarbolton Pharmacy, 14 Cunningham Street, Tarbolton - closed

Many of the pharmacies in South Ayrshire will be also be closed on Easter Monday, April 17, with the exception of:

Boots Pharmacy, Bridgemill, Girvan Community Hospital – open 10am to 2pm.
Lloyds Pharmacy, 146 Dalmellington Road, Ayr – open 10am to 2pm.
Wm Morrison Pharmacy, Castlehill Road, Ayr – open 9am to 5pm.
Boots Chemist, 168/170 High Street, Ayr – open 10am to 5pm.
Boots Chemist, 89 Main Street, Prestwick - open 11am to 3pm.
Boots Chemist, 49 Academy Street, Troon - open 10am to 5pm.