Research has demonstrated that people can cope with their own symptoms in 8 out of 10 cases. 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 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 do not help). There are often things you can do to ease the symptoms whilst your body gets on with overcoming the virus. Rest and drinking plenty of fluid along with paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with fever and aches.
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 also give you advice on treating minor illnesses.
The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service seeks to encourage people to go to their local pharmacy for support with minor and acute health conditions. Pharmacies will undertake an NHS Pharmacy First Scotland consultation and provide advice, treatment or referral to another healthcare professional if appropriate. As well as minor conditions, it will also continue to provide advice and treatment for specific common clinical conditions.
The best answer is prevention – learn to sit, bend and lift correctly and keep generally fit. If you do have pain, bed rest with regular Analgesics e.g. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen will help. Consult the Doctor if the pain is severe
Burns
Apply cold water to the affected area immediately and apply a clean dressing. For severe or widespread burns, please go to your nearest A & E department as soon as possible. Please remember that A & E is for accidents and emergencies only.
Colds and Flu
These usually start with a runny nose, temperature, aches and pains. Antibiotics will not help, as these illnesses are viral. Management consists of rest and taking plenty of fluids. Paracetamol taken every 4-6 hours will relieve the worst of the symptoms.
Diarrhoea and Vomiting
These illnesses are usually self-limiting. Avoid food for 24 hours or until the symptoms ease. Drink plenty of water or Electrolyte solutions (e.g. Dioraltyte, Rehidrat and Electrolade, they are available from your chemist). In the case of small children and babies, you may need to telephone for advice if the symptoms persist.
Earache
Earache occurs fairly commonly in children. Give Paracetamol or ibuprofen together with plenty of fluids. If an earache does not settle within 24 hours, contact your Doctor.
Fevers in Children
Fevers are mostly caused by viruses, especially in toddlers. Keep the child cool, give regular Paracetamol syrup (e.g. Calpol) according to the dosage on the bottle and plenty of drinks. Children often lose their appetite so do not worry about food if they are not interested. Consult the Doctor if the child seems particularly unwell or has not improved within 48 hours.
Head Lice and Worms
Both of these problems are easily dealt with by treatment available from the chemist.
Insect Bites and Stings:
Wasps – Apply vinegar to neutralize the sting as soon as possible.
Bees – Scrape away the sting and apply a little Bicarbonate of Soda solution as soon as possible.
Generally – Keep Antihistamine tablets in the house to use when necessary (particularly if travelling abroad) to relieve irritation and soreness.
Nose Bleeds
Sit in a chair, bend forward slightly and squeeze the nose firmly below the bone for 10 minutes. If symptoms recur, consult the Doctor.
Sore Throats
These are mainly caused by viruses and antibiotics are unlikely to help. Take plenty of fluids and take Paracetamol every 4-6 hours. If symptoms persist, please see your Doctor.
Sprains
Firstly apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible (a bag of frozen peas kept for this purpose is ideal) for 15-20 minutes to reduce the swelling. Apply, firmly, a crepe bandage and give the sprain plenty of rest until all discomfort has subsided. Further strain will inevitably lead to further swelling and a longer recovery time.
Sunburn
Avoid Exposure to the sun and use a good sunscreen with a high protection factor, especially for children. Otherwise, treat as burns and drink plenty of fluids.