Health bosses have renewed appeals to people not to call 999 or go to A&E unless they are seriously ill.
East Midlands Ambulance Service (Emas) said in the past three weeks they have seen a 30 per cent increase in the number of emergency calls – many from patients not suffering from life-threatening conditions.
Doctors at Leicester Royal Infirmary's accident and emergency department have also seen more patients. Karlie Thompson, Emas divisional director for Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire, said: "We are finding many patients would be better treated elsewhere, such as by GPs or even by going to a pharmacy.
"This demand is having a serious knock-on effect for our capacity."
Dr James Gray, Emas medical director, said: "I urge people to get prepared now. Get your repeat prescription sorted."
Health officials in Leicestershire have sent out 90,000 leaflets to GP surgeries, health centres and libraries telling people where to get the right treatment.
Phil Walmsley, head of operations at Leicester's hospitals, said: "Over the past few weeks, our emergency department, like many others, has been busy.
"During the winter months we expect to see more people.
"On some days, we have seen an average of 30 patients more than we would expect to, and that begins to have an impact the service we provide."
People with medical problems over Christmas and new year can also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or the GP out-of-hours service on 0845 045 0411.
www.choosebetter.org.uk
