There are many minor illnesses that can affect anyone over the winter months. For many of these, you do not need to see your GP in the first instance as your local pharmacy team can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines to help relieve symptoms.
If your symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists can tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.
How to treat flu yourself
If you have the flu, there are some things that you can do to help yourself get better more quickly.
· rest and sleep
· keep warm
· take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
· give paracetamol or ibuprofen to your child if they are distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging to make sure the medicine is speak to a pharmacist of GP if not sure
· drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear)
Keep washing your hands
Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is circulating at higher levels than average this year.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 secs and clean surfaces with bleach-based products bleach products to stop the spread of norovirus and other infections. Avoid cooking for others if you have diarrhoea and or vomiting.
Give it a miss
Got a cough, sore throat, or fever? Skip gatherings to protect others, especially vulnerable people. Wear a mask in crowded places to reduce the risk of infecting others.
If you’ve had diarrhoea or vomiting, stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop and avoid visiting care homes or hospitals to prevent outbreaks.
Practice self-care and use antibiotics responsibly
Resting, drinking lots of water, and using over-the-counter medications are often effective for dealing with colds, sore throats or coughs.
Antibiotics don’t work against viruses and unnecessary use can lead to antibiotic resistance, making bacterial infections harder to treat.
Appointments at your GP surgery
GPs are very busy, so please be patient. Your surgery may ask what you need help with to ensure you see the right professional as soon as possible.
Appointments can be face-to-face, over the phone, or online. You can contact your GP via their website form (also accessible through the NHS App or NHS website), or by phone.
Please cancel your appointment if you no longer need it.
