More people than ever before are using online health services.

In the first month of 2021 more than 7 million users visited NHSinform.scot.

This is the highest ever number of users for the site in a single month - and more than 5 times the number for January last year.

Around 4 in every 5 visitors to the site was using a mobile phone or tablet device.

Unsurprisingly, the most popular content in the past year is information on the coronavirus vaccine, who will get it and how, and on how to get coronavirus testing or care for someone with the virus at home.

The other illnesses for which people most often sought digital advice were fever, thrush, food poisoning and chest infections.

Mental Health is a widely shared concern, with anxiety and panic, fears and phobias, stress, anger and low mood, and depression being the most common topics viewed. The NHSinform.scot pages for these topics were viewed over 120,000 times in January alone.

Dr Laura Ryan, Medical Director at NHS 24 said: “The pandemic has meant we have all had to find new ways of going about our daily lives and that includes the way we get essential health information when we need it.

"It’s great to see that our digital resources have become so widely trusted by people across Scotland.

"The content on NHSinform is governed by the same standards as the advice given by the NHS 24 telephone services. I would encourage people to use the self help guides for immediate support as they are readily available wherever a mobile phone or other device is to hand.

"In many cases the online advice will allow people to self-care at home, but it is of course very important to contact a healthcare professional if our self-help guides direct you to do that.”

With travel affected by poor weather and the pandemic, it makes sense to turn to NHSinform.scot for support.

"Where symptoms suggest that a healthcare professional is needed, users are guided to speak to their pharmacist, GP, optometrist, dentist or call 111 or 999 as appropriate.

"You can also find out where your nearest services are using our Scottish Services Directory by simply entering your postcode.

"Essential information on using our services has been translated into multiple languages with communities across Scotland and is available in easy read and British Sign Language formats. For those who do not have access to a device or prefer not to use one, we still offer telephony advice and information.

“NHS 24 wants to offer the public choice about how they access the services they require. For those who do not have access to a device or prefer not to use one, we still offer telephony advice and information."

NHS inform is Scotland's national health information service.

Its aim is to provide the people in Scotland with accurate and relevant information to help them make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for.