Cambridgeshire Healthwatch boss urges people to avoid A&E if possible
It comes as the East of England Ambulance Service is on high alert
Patients in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are being told to look out for other ways they can get the treatment they need this winter.
It comes amid a rise in flu cases as health officials say levels have hit record highs for this time of year.
Pressures have already been mounting on local hospitals after resident doctors went on strike for five days this month in a long-running dispute over pay and job security.
"It's (managing pressures) challenging every year and it doesn't change," Jess Slater, CEO at Healthwatch Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said.
"The NHS start preparing for winter pressures in August, so the vaccine rollout campaign and things like this, to get as many people vaccinated as possible to avoid winter pressures and going into hospital in the first place."
Earlier this month, the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) stepped up to its highest alert level after a rise in demand for its services.
In the week ending November 30, EEAST took 24,000 emergency calls - up almost 3,000 more on the week before - while the week after, they received 24,400 calls.
"The more people that get vaccinated against flu and Covid, the less likely the winter pressures won't escalate further than they need," Ms Slater said.
"There's always going to be accidents, emergencies, treatments needed, so it's about familiarising yourself with what is already out there so you don't need to attend emergency departments."
EEAST is asking people to:
- Call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk if it's not an emergency.
- Stay well: get flu and Covid jabs, keep warm, eat well, stay active, practice good hygiene.
- Be prepared: keep basic medication at home and ensure prescriptions are up to date.
- Look after mental health - stay connected, get daylight, seek support if you're struggling.