Park View Medical Centre |
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Dr Caplan
Dr Farnum
Dr Fitton
Dr Blockley
Sr Boucher
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Self-Help for Minor Illness
Many illnesses, whilst uncomfortable, are not serious and will usually settle without any treatment within a week or so. In these cases, there are a number of measures which you can take to relieve some of the symptoms and avoid the need to see a doctor. If you are confident that you have one of the illnesses listed below, follow the advice given. If your symptoms do not appear to be settling as you would expect, or you are unsure of the diagnosis, please contact the surgery for advice from a doctor.
Colds
These are caused by a virus infection for which there is no known cure; antibiotics have no effect. Symptoms are troublesome, but, in normally healthy people, not dangerous and include fatigue, high temperature, runny nose, sneezing and often include a sore throat and cough. Symptoms may last for a week or longer and treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids, rest and, if you have a headache or high temperature, taking regular paracetamol (Calpol or Disprol for children).
Coughs
Most coughs, particularly in children, are caused by virus infections and antibiotics are unhelpful. Most seem to get worse at night. Drinking plenty of fluids helps. Cough mixtures are often unhelpful. Paracetamol should be taken if there is a high temperature. Most will settle in about a week; however, if they do not or there is difficulty breathing, large amounts of phlegm being coughed up or the patient appears generally unwell, the doctor should be consulted.
Sore Throats
The majority again are caused by a virus infection and only about one in ten people will require antibiotics. The most effective treatment is gargling with soluble aspirin (provided you are not allergic to this or taking medicine that interacts with it). Symptoms usually last for about five days and might be accompanied by a high temperature. See your doctor if symptoms persist or are severe.
Influenza ('Flu')
This is a virus infection that causes a high temperature with sweating, shivering, severe fatigue, headache, and often generalised aching. Some people might also experience vomiting. Rest (in a cool room), drinking plenty of fluids and taking regular paracetamol are essential. Most of the symptoms will subside after about seven days, but the fatigue might persist for a week or two after. The illness is extremely uncomfortable but, in the majority of people, not serious.
Diarrhoea & Vomiting
Again, this is usually caused by a viral infection. Adults and children should take plenty of fluids preferably with one of the oral rehydration powders - Dioralyte, Rehidrat or Electrolade - to avoid dehydration. Kaolin and morphine and similar preparations are not recommended. Consult your doctor if the diarrhoea does not appear to be settling after three or four days. Babies in particular can become dehydrated quite rapidly if diarrhoea and/or vomiting persists and advice should be sought within the first 12-24 hours.
High Temperature
Many illnesses can cause a high temperature including those mentioned above. Adults should take paracetamol or aspirin (unless you have been told to avoid aspirin), drink plenty of cool fluids and keep clothing and room temperature to a minimum until symptoms subside. Children should take paracetamol (this includes Calpol and Disprol), clothing removed and the room temperature reduced as far as possible.
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© 2001-2007 Simon Child
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