Self-Treat Common Ailments
Understand how to manage minor and long-term health conditions.
Viruses that cause coughs, colds and sore throats cannot be treated by antibiotics. Making sure people have
over-the-counter products in their medicine cupboard, such as painkillers and medicines for coughs and colds, means that if they or their family become unwell, they have something to help.
Visiting a
local pharmacist can also be a quick way of accessing medical help and advice. As well as dispensing prescriptions, they provide a wide range of services and immediate help and advice on many minor illnesses.
People don’t need an appointment and can speak to a pharmacist in private and in confidence. Many pharmacists have extended opening hours including evening and weekends.
Remember,
NHS 111 can also be a good resource for health advice for things that are not life-threatening. And the
NHS website has lots of information on what steps to take to look after you and your family.
The
Self Care Forum also has some useful fact sheets you might like to download.
Other useful resources
Self care booklet 2020
Self care instruction videos
Regional Self care - Long term conditions in winter
Regional Self care back pain
Regional Self care chicken pox
Regional Self care common cold
Regional Self care constipation
Regional Self care Cough
Regional Self care ear infection
Regional Self care Fever in children
Regional Self care Headache
Regional Self care Heartburn indigestion
Regional Self care sprain and strains
Self care Eczema