HOME CARE ADVICE FOR PATIENTS

ABOUT MINOR AILMENTS

A doctor is not always needed.  You can treat many minor illnesses at home if you follow this advice:

THE COMMON COLD:

Colds are viral infections.  An antibiotic will not help it get better.  Paracetamol taken as per instructions on the packet will help to lower temperature and ease associated headaches or general aches and pains.  Always follow the directions on the packet.  Adults can take up to 8 tablets per day, dosage for children depends on age.

You can buy many cold remedies at the chemist.  The pharmacist will be pleased to advise you about their benefits.

If you are concerned about your condition, consult your Doctor, especially in the case of babies, elderly or infirm people.

SORE THROATS:

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, and do not benefit from anti-biotics and get better in a few days.

Take paracetamol as per instructions on the packet and suck sweets or lozenges to relieve the discomfort.  Drink plenty of fluids. 

INFLUENZA (FLU):

FLU is a viral infection.  You will feel most unwell, fever; aching, shivering, coughing and weakness are common symptoms.  Drink plenty of fluids.  Treat unpleasant symptoms with paracetamol as per instructions; drink plenty of fluids and rest.  Cough linctus might also be helpful.  If you have FLU you will not feel like being up and about for a few days but you will gradually begin to feel better.  Tiredness and lack of energy may continue for a while.

Some complications are a possibility, if concerned contact your doctor.  Particular attention should be given to babies and elderly or infirm people.

FLU vaccines are recommended for persons 65 years old and over and for patients suffering from chronic diseases like Asthma, Diabetes, and Heart Disease.

FLU vaccines are available late October – November at your local GP surgery.  This service is usually advertised in your local paper a few weeks prior to the clinic starting.

DIARRHOEA AND VOMITING:

To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of clear fluids, usually the vomiting will lesson in a few hours but diarrhoea sometimes persists a little longer

Re-hydration fluids and Kaolin based medication to treat diarrhoea can be purchased at the chemist.  As always your pharmacist will be pleased to give advice.

Particular attention should be paid to babies, young children, and the elderly or inform.  Consult your Doctor if any in this group are not drinking and showing signs of fever or dehydration like dry mouth, sunken looking eyes and passing only small amounts of urine.

SPRAINS:

Elevate the injured limb.  A cold compress or icepack will help to reduce swelling.  Take paracetamol or Ibuprofen as per instructions to reduce pain

BURNS:

Cold water is the recommended treatment of a burn.  Keep area submerged or soaked until pain subsides.  This may take some time.  Apply loose dressing only if the skin is not broken.

Consult a Casualty Department if skin is broken or peeling off and the area seems large to you.

CUTS:

Wash the area thoroughly.  If bleeding, apply a clean dressing and press until bleeding stops.  Cover with a clean dressing or bandage.  If you have trouble stopping the bleeding, the wound is gaping or if you think there is a foreign body e.g. glass in the site attend your local Casualty Department.

NOSE BLEEDS:

Sit up straight and lean slightly forwards.  Pinch the fleshy part of the nose hard for at least 10 minutes.  This should stop the bleeding.  Avoid blowing the nose for as long as possible thereafter.

If bleeding persists, attend your local Casualty Department.

SUNBURN:

Avoid at all costs.  It is harmful to your skin, particularly that of children.  Protection creams are available at all chemists and some supermarkets.  These products are essential.  Best to cover up in strong sun.  If you are unfortunate enough to suffer sunburn treat as a burn.

If severe, contact your Casualty Department.

INSECT BITES AND STINGS:

If your are sensitive to these you may suffer some local inflammation and itching.  Anti-histamine tablets or creams are available from your chemist.

If you have a history of severe allergic reaction you should have discussed this with your doctor.