Nearly everyone has a hypochondria tendancy - a little sniffle and you could easily be suffering from either a cold or a brain tumour. Dr Google may have been our best friend for a while, but now you have the ability to get real, reliable health advice.

NHS Direct have released a free Android and iPhone interactive app to help take pressure off other local NHS services.

The app brings together all 37 of NHS Direct’s online symptom checkers including those for colds and flu, sore throats, bites and hay fever. Once users have answered a set of questions, the app will provide self-care advice, generate a call-back from an NHS Direct Nurse Advisor or provide instructions on the most appropriate course ofaction.

The app’s effectiveness relies upon accurate information being given about the person needing medical attention from the outset.

No other online symptom checker provides such a complete and interactive service as NHS Direct’s app. It comes with crisp graphics, an easy-to-use interface and a useful function to store frequently used care guides for up to 30 days.

I am pretty excited as I am sure I have some kind of leprosy coming on!