If you have a cough, cold, headache or other minor ailment try treating yourself at home first.
Please remember that self-care for common conditions can help free up our GPs’ time, making it easier to get an appointment when you have a more serious condition.
The Family Medicine Chest
You can also help yourself by always being prepared to any accident or emergency around the home. A basic kit would contain paracetemol mixture for young children, soluble aspirin tablets (adults only), cough linctus, vapour rub, sticking plasters, antiseptic solution and cream, calamine lotion, 3 inch crepe bandage, cotton wool, thermometer and tweezers. Calpol (paracetamol) and neurofen (ibuprofen) are also other important items to have as long as there have been no problems taking these medications in the past.
Self treatment of self limiting illnesses:
Colds – There is no cure for the common cold, which lasts for seven to ten days. Take plenty of drinks, use paracetamol for headaches and temperatures and inhale over hot water (do not use boiling water) to relieve nasal congestion. Antibiotics do not have any effect on the common cold.
Sore Throats – Most sore throats are caused by viruses which do not respond to antibiotics. They usually last four to five days and respond to the same treatment as for colds.
Vomiting and Diarrhoea – Again, most cases are due to a viral infection and do not require antibiotics. Treat with frequent small amounts of liquid, avoid milk and food for 24 hours. As the stomach settles, take simple solids such as dry biscuits or toast before returning to a normal diet.
Consult your doctor if: vomiting and/or diarrhoea is accompanied by continuous stomach pains; symptoms persist longer than six hours in an infant or smallchild; an attack comes shortly after a visit abroad; the patient or parent is anxious or worried.
Your pharmacist can help too
Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals and can give you confidential health advice for a range of common illnesses and complaints.
Don’t wait for a GP appointment for coughs, colds, aches and pains. Just call your local pharmacy a call or drop in – there’s no need to make an appointment.
Your pharmacists can also help you decide if you need to see a doctor or nurse.
Click here for more information about how pharmacies can help you.
NHS 111
111 is the free NHS non-emergency number.
You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.
Call 111 if:
- you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency
- you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
- you don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call
- you need health information or reassurance about what to do next
Click here for more information about how NHS 111 can help you.
A&E
A&E is for life-threatening accidents and emergencies only. Before you go there, ask yourself, “Is it a real emergency?”
If not, please consider using other local health services before you visit A&E.
