Getting the care you need, quicker Depending on your condition or heath needs, some services may be quicker and more appropriate than others in getting you the help, treatment or advice you need. But it can be difficult to know where to turn. Should you ring your GP or 111? Can your swollen ankle following a fall be treated quickest and most appropriately at the urgent treatment centre or the Emergency Department? The following information should help you to navigate NHS services available to you so that, when you next need help, you know exactly where to turn to:
Self-care Many common ailments and illnesses can be treated effectively at home with medicines available over the counter, including minor cuts and grazes, sore throats and coughs and colds. It’s good practice to have a fully stocked medicines box at home - well out of the way of little hands, it should be said. Here’s what a well-stocked home medicines box should contain: Pain relief Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin are highly effective at relieving most minor aches and pains, such as headaches, period pain and the common cold, by reducing aches, pain and high temperatures. Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin also help reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis and sprains. Bear in mind: • aspirin must not be given to children under 16 • ibuprofen must be taken with caution if you have certain conditions, such as asthma – check with your pharmacist if in doubt • pregnant women should not take ibuprofen Antihistamines Antihistamines are useful for dealing with allergies and insect bites. They’re also helpful if you have hay fever. Creams soothe insect stings and bites, and rashes and itching from stinging nettles. Tablets help control hay fever symptoms and calm minor allergic reactions to food. They can also help calm itchiness during chickenpox. Bear in mind: • some antihistamines may cause drowsiness. Ask a 4
pharmacist about this as there are some antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness. Oral rehydration salts A high temperature, diarrhoea and being sick make you lose water and essential minerals, and can lead to dehydration. Oral rehydration salts, available at pharmacies, are an easy way to help restore your body’s natural balance of fluid and minerals, and help your recovery. Bear in mind: • they do not fight the cause of your illness, such as a virus or bacteria. Anti-diarrhoea tablets Diarrhoea is caused by a range of things, such as food poisoning or a stomach virus, and can happen without warning. It’s a good idea to keep an anti-diarrhoea medicine at home. Anti-diarrhoea remedies can quickly control diarrhoea, but they do not deal with the underlying cause. Bear in mind: • do not give anti-diarrhoea medicines to children under 12 as they may have undesirable side effects. Speak to a GP or pharmacist for advice about a child with these symptoms. Indigestion treatment If you have stomach ache or heartburn, medicine called antacid will reduce stomach acidity and bring relief. Sunscreen Keep a sun lotion of at least factor 30 (or factor 50 for children). Even fairly brief exposure to the sun can cause sunburn and increase your risk of skin cancer. Ensure your sunscreen provides UVA protection. Bear in mind: • you can also protect yourself against the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses, and by avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm.
Your first aid kit A well-prepared first aid kit can help treat minor cuts, sprains and bruises, and reduce the risk of cuts becoming infected. Here’s what yours should contain: • bandages – these can support injured limbs, such as a
