Self-care
There are lots of things you can do at home to help manage your symptoms for minor ailments, like colds and coughs. By treating yourself at home, you could save a trip to the surgery and make sure patients with serious health problems are seen by your GP first.
Self-care at home
Did you know that 10 of the most minor ailments seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home?
By treating yourself at home you could save a trip to the surgery and free up time for the GPs to see patients with more serious health problems.
You can find helpful tips and advice about some of the most effective home treatments for the following on the NHS website:
- Acne
- Back pain
- Common cold
- Constipation
- Coughs
- Dermatitis
- Earache
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Headaches
- Insect bites and stings
- Migraines
- Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
- Sprains and strains.
Antibiotics
Each year 25% of the population visit their GP for a respiratory tract infection (eg sinus, throat or chest infection). These are usually caused by viruses.
For patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not necessary for viral infections.
These infections will normally clear up by looking after yourself at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol.
Ear infections typically last 4 days
89% of cases clear up on their own
A sore throat typically lasts 7 days
40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90% after 7 days without antibiotics
Sinusitis typically lasts 17 days
80% clear up in 14 days without antibiotics
Cough/bronchitis typically lasts 21 days
Antibiotics reduce symptoms by only 1 day
Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria.
Taking unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided because they may not be effective next time you have a bacterial infection.
Patients with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD are eligible for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Ask at reception for more information.
Medicine cabinet
You can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.
We suggest you keep the following:
- Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
- Mild laxatives
- Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
- Rehydration mixture
- Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
- Travel sickness tablets
- Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
- Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
- Tweezers and sharp scissors
- A thermometer
- A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings
Remember:
- Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
- Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
- Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
- Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy
If you are concerned about a medical issue and have tried the suggestions in the link above, then please book an appointment to see your GP. You can do this online by using our online system.
Contact your local pharmacist
Your local pharmacist will be able to help you with lots of health issues too. You’ll be able to ask them about your health concerns and when to visit your GP.
Support for mental health
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, then there’s lots of support available. Visit our mental health page for more information about the support available in the local community.
Other NHS services
As well as the surgery, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.
You can find out more about the NHS services available in your local community. Visit our What support do I need? page for more information. You can also visit the NHS website.