These illnesses are usually caused by viruses; antibiotics have no effect on them. They get better as your body fights off the virus but this can take up to a week or more. Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Some relief can be obtained by using throat lozenges, soothing drinks (eg honey and lemon), aspirin (not for children), paracetamol, decongestants etc. These can be obtained from the chemist without a prescription. Soluble aspirin gargles or throat sprays ease the pain of a sore throat. An exception is if a flu-like illness develops after visiting an area where malaria occurs. In this situation contact your doctor. Children with a fever will often look and feel much better when cooler. Give paracetamol syrup, undress and if necessary gently sponge with a luke-warm flannel.
Coughs
Most dry coughs will settle with soothing drinks (eg honey and lemon) and steam inhalations, avoid cigarette smoke. It is worth having your chest checked at the surgery if you are coughing up a lot of phlegm (especially if discoloured or bloody), have asthma or if the cough persists for more than a week.
Lice and Worms
Don't Panic! Although unwelcome these little beasties are not harmful. Preparations can be obtained from the chemist without a prescription. Treating the entire family is often helpful in case others are also infected (and do not know it). Close attention to personal hygiene (especially hand washing) is important to prevent re-infection with worms. Lice are not a sign of uncleanliness.
Diarrhoea and Vomiting
This is most commonly caused by viruses and settles within a few days. It is important to continue to drink to avoid getting dehydrated and this especially applies to babies. Children will not be harmed by a few days without solids as long as they do not get dehydrated. If weight is lost it will be regained when the child is better. Babies with diarrhoea should continue to be fed.
Back Pain
This is often the result of poor posture particularly when lifting. Painkillers and gentle heat will help relieve the pain. Current thinking is that it is best to keep mobile. If the pain persists for more than a few days, is severe or if you get sciatica (pain running down the back of the leg), contact your doctor.
Nosebleeds
Sit in a chair leaning forward with your mouth open and pinch your nose just below the bone (where the nose becomes soft) for at least 15 minutes. When the bleeding stops DO NOT blow or clear the nose for 24 hours. An ice pack applied to the bridge of the nose may also help, but if the bleeding will not stop go to the casualty department at your local hospital.
Insect Bites and Stings
These are uncomfortable but not serious in most cases. An ice cube helps reduce pain, redness and swelling and children may require a pain killer (paracetamol). Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist. Do not grab bee stings with tweezers as you may squeeze more venom into the skin but try to scrape it away from the side instead.
Things In Eyes
If you get something in your eye, wash immediately with clean water. If it will not come out go to casualty at your local hospital. Splashes of chemical are treated in the same way. Please take a bottle of the substance with you to casualty so they know exactly what it is.
Burns
Apply running cold water as soon as possible to the area of the burn until the pain eases. Go straight to casualty at the your local hospital if the burn is large or if the skin is broken. Most children with burns are better seen in casualty unless the area involved is very small. Do not try to remove clothing or other material stuck to the skin.
Cuts and Grazes
Clean with running water and apply a clean firm dressing. Press on the wound for 5 to 10 minutes if the bleeding persists. If you are not up to date with tetanus (within the last 10 years) a booster can be given the next day at the surgery. If bleeding will not stop with pressure or if stitches are needed, go to the casualty department at your local hospital.
Sprains and Strains
Apply an ice pack (frozen peas are popular) for 15 to 20 minutes. Apply a firm crepe bandage, elevate the limb and rest the injured part.
First Aid Cupboard
A Suggestion for Some Items to Keep in Readiness
(Available from the Chemist)
| Cotton wool, dressings, elastoplast, micropore tape. | Paracetamol/Aspirin/Nurofen for adults. |
| Crepe bandage 3" wide | Antihistamine mixture/tablets for insect bites/stings/allergies. |
| Thermometer. | |
| Tweezers. | Antiseptic solution |
| Paracetamol mixture for children with fever/pain. | Calamine lotion for sunburn. |