Health services are very busy at the moment. Help us to help those most in need. Follow these steps to use the right treatment:
Children
All children get colds. This is a normal part of growing up and no medicines can prevent them. The best way to look after your child is to make sure they have plenty to drink and if they have a temperature some paracetamol will help. Most doctors don’t recommend cough medicines and antibiotics won’t help a cold.
For more information and health advice visit the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk
Self care
You can treat most common ailments and illnesses at home by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet. This should include:
Click here to view more information on over the counter medicines.
Pharmacy
Many pharmacies are open early until late and on weekends and bank holidays. You don’t need an appointment, and can just pop in and get expert medical help from a qualified healthcare professional. Most pharmacies now have a private consultation area where you can discuss your issues and concerns without being overheard.
NHS 111
NHS 111 offers confidential health advice and information by telephone.
Ring 111 if you are ill and have questions about your health and where to get treatment.
GP surgeries
Make an appointment with your local GP if you have an illness or injury that will not go away.
Advice and information about a range of common winter health complaints, including how long symptoms will last and how to relieve symptoms is also available from NHS Choices. Here you can find an easy to use symptom checker, can search for your local services and use the interactive First Aid toolkit.