Minor ailments like sore throats, cuts, grazes, headaches, coughs, and colds can often be managed at home with rest, basic first aid, and over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet will help you care for yourself and your family.
Common conditions usually last between one and three weeks – sore throats for about one week, colds for up to one-and-a-half weeks, and coughs for around three weeks. If you are not sure how long symptoms usually last or when to seek further medical advice visit the NHS.UK website for guidance. The Healthier Together website for your area provides advice and guidance on caring for sick children (www.what0-18.nhs.uk).
If you’re unsure about what to keep at home or have questions, your local pharmacist can offer free, reliable advice about medicines and support on a range of illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats and aches and pains. They can also suggest effective treatments that do not need prescriptions.
The Pharmacy First service launched in January 2024 now allows pharmacies to offer prescription medicines for the following conditions without needing to see a GP:
- Shingles – 18 years and over
- Sore throat – 5 years and over
- Infected insect bites – 1 year and over
- Earaches in children 1 to 17 years
- Sinusitis – 12 years and over
- Impetigo – 1 year and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women 16 to 64 years
Find out more about Pharmacy First here https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/