Common Illnesses
 Coughs, Colds and Sore Throats: The majority of theses settle on their own in a few days. Take a lot of fluids and paracetemol as needed. See the Doctor if you are not improving but remember most are caused by viruses which do not respond to antibiotics.
Temperatures: Keep cool, take extra fluids and paracetemol as needed. Children may throw a fever quickly. It is a good idea to cool them by sponging their arms and legs with tepid (not cold) water. The easiest way of taking a child's temperature is with a Feverscan. If the fever has not settled in two days or you are worried, then consult the doctor for advice. Children under one, should be seen the same day. Children can be safely taken to the surgery even if they do have a temperature. You will find that cool air makes them a lot better. Remember: do not give children under 12 asprin.
Diarrhoea & Vomiting: Stop eating and take extra fluids - frequent small amounts are best. This can be water or a special powder from the chemist to mix with water. This replaces salts and sugars that you need. Avoid medicines and tablets as these can reduce the body's natural defenses. If Diarrhoea has not stopped within 3 or 4 days, see the doctor who will arrange for you to provide a specimen. Babies under one year should be seen by a doctor if the Diarrhoea or vomiting is bad, or has not stopped within 12 hours.
Earache: This is a common problem in young children. It is painful, so give the child some paracetemol. If the pain has not settled in 24 hours consult the doctor. Antibiotics are NOT always needed.
Burns & Scalds: It is vital to take the heat away from the skin as soon as possible. Flood the burnt area with cold water for at least 10 minutes. Remove any clothing as quickly as possible. If you are concerned about a burn, go to hospital casualty where the nursing staff can advise you.
Sunburn: Avoid exposure to strong sun and use a sunscreen with a good protection factor, especially for children. Otherwise treat as burns and drink plenty of water.
Remember SLIP on a shirt, SLOP on the sun cream, SLAP on a hat and AVOID the mid-day sun.
Sprains, Strains and Backache: Most of these get better within a few days rest while taking paracetemol or ibuprofen as necessary. X-rays are rarely needed. If back pain does not improve within a couple of days the make an appointment to see a doctor.
Nose Bleeds: Almost all of these stop if you pinch the soft bit the nose firmly for 15 minutes. If it does not stop then call the surgery for advice.
Chickenpox: The spots start as red itchy marks which develop into blisters and then crust over. Calamine lotion helps the itching and paracetemol reduces the fever. You are infectious until three days after the last spots have disappeared.
Pregnant women and those taking steroids by mouth are at extra risk. If there is contact with chickenpox, they should contact the surgery as soon as possible for advice unless they are sure they have previously had chickenpox.
Emergency Contraception: See the doctor or nurse at the earliest opportunity. If there are no available appointments, please ask to see the practice nurse who may be able to see you after the surgery. Emergency contraception pills need to be started within 72 hours of unprotected sex. A coil can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
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