Advice and support for minor illnesses

Research shows that people cope with their own symptoms in eight out of ten cases. You probably already act as your own doctor and nurse most of the time. If you feel unwell, you immediately try to work out why and take steps to make yourself feel better. This is 'diagnosis' and 'treatment'. When you can't solve it yourself, that's when you go for medical help.
 
Self-care means recognising minor illnesses and being able to treat the symptoms, preventing health problems developing and knowing when to call for outside medical help. People often worry that any symptom is the sign of a serious illness when it is much more likely to be something very simple.
 
People recover from most minor illnesses by themselves and don't need to be seen by a doctor. For instance, many minor illnesses, including colds and flu, are caused by a virus. There are thousands of different viruses and there is no direct cure (antibiotics can't help). But there are often things you can do to ease the symptoms while your body gets on with overcoming the virus. Rest and take plenty of drinks (not alcohol). Paracetamol or aspirin may help relieve aches and fever, but don't give aspirin to children under the age of 12.
 
With a little more knowledge and information, you may be able to diagnose and treat yourself and members of your family a lot of the time. Some basic knowledge of first aid (for example, for burns, sprains or reviving people) can help you deal with accidents. You can then decide whether something is serious enough to need medical help.
 
Self-care doesn't mean dealing with health problems on your own. Your GP and the practice team are there to help with any problems or situations you can't cope with. The pharmacist can give you advice on treating minor illnesses.
 
The pharmacist can help you stock your home medicine chest and can advise you on home remedies. Organisations such as the British Red Cross and St John Ambulance provide first aid information and courses.
 
Keep medicines away from children