Kiwis are being urged to be prepared if their health suffers this winter

Health officials are expecting a spike at hospitals with respiratory infections as the colder months loom.

Healthline Chief Clinical Officer Ruth Large says they want to avoid extra pressure on hospitals and GPs during the worst of the cold and flu season.

She says Healthline is available 24 hours and is helpful when people don't have access to a doctor or don't know what to do.