Self-help for minor illnesses

Get help with minor illnesses and injuries:

Coughs

A cough will usually clear up on its own within three to four weeks. There is usually no need to see a GP if you have a cough.

How you can treat a cough yourself

You should:

rest;
drink plenty of fluids;
try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.

You could also try:

paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain;
hot lemon and honey (not suitable for babies under one-year-old);
a herbal medicine called pelargonium (suitable for people aged 12 or over).

But there is limited evidence to show that these work. Hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines.

A pharmacist can help if you have a cough

If you have a cough, you can ask a pharmacist about:

cough syrup;
cough medicine (some cough medicines should not be given to children under 12);
cough sweets.

These will not stop your cough, but may help you cough less. Decongestants and cough medicines containing codeine will not stop your cough. Find a pharmacy here.

See a GP if:

you have had a persistent cough for more than three weeks;
your cough is very bad or quickly gets worse – for example, you have a hacking cough or cannot stop coughing;
you feel very unwell;
you have chest pain;
you are losing weight for no reason;
the side of your neck feels swollen and painful (swollen glands);
you find it hard to breathe;
you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes.

See a GP urgently if you are coughing up blood.

What happens at your appointment

Antibiotics are not normally prescribed for coughs. A GP will only prescribe them if you need them. Most coughs are caused by a cold or flu. Other causes include:

smoking;
heartburn (acid reflux);
allergies – for example, hay fever;
infections like bronchitis;
mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose.

A cough is rarely a sign of something serious like lung cancer.

Flu

Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It is important to get the flu vaccine if you are advised to.

Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:

a sudden high temperature;
an aching body;
feeling tired or exhausted;
a dry cough;
a sore throat;
a headache;
difficulty sleeping;
loss of appetite;
diarrhoea or tummy pain;
feeling sick and being sick.

The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.

How to treat flu yourself

If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly.

Do:

rest and sleep;
keep warm;
take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains;
drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear).

A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies.

Do not take paracetamol and flu remedies that contain paracetamol at the same time as it is easy to take more than the recommended dose. Find a pharmacy here.

Antibiotics

GPs do not recommend antibiotics for flu because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You or your child have symptoms of flu and:

you are worried about your baby's or child's symptoms;
you are 65 or over;
you are pregnant;
you have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves;
you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV;
your symptoms do not improve after seven days.

You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

Call 999 or go to the emergency department if you:

get sudden chest pain;
have difficulty breathing;
start coughing up a lot of blood.

Find your nearest emergency department here.

How to avoid spreading the flu

Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You are more likely to give it to others in the first five days.

Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

To reduce the risk of spreading flu:

wash your hands often with warm water and soap;
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze;
bin used tissues as quickly as possible.

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.

See how to wash your hands correctly here.

How to get a flu vaccine

Flu vaccines are safe and effective. They are offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications.

The best time to have a flu vaccine is in the autumn before flu starts spreading. But you can get vaccinated later.

Find out more about the flu vaccine:

Back pain

Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common. It usually improves within a few weeks but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. There are things you can do to help ease the pain.

Causes of back pain

Back pain can have many causes. It's not always obvious what causes it, and it often gets better on its own.

A common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle (strain).

Sometimes, medical conditions like a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis can cause back pain.

Very rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection.

How to ease back pain yourself

Back pain often improves on its own within a few weeks. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery.

Do:

stay active and try to continue with your daily activities;
take anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen – paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller;
use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling;
use a heat pack (or hot water bottle) wrapped in a tea towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms;
try doing some exercises and stretches for back pain.

Do not stay in bed for long periods of time.

There are specific exercises and stretches you can do to help with back pain. But stop if your pain gets worse and see a GP for advice. Click here to watch a physiotherapist show some simple back stretches to help prevent aches and pains. Activities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also help ease back pain.

See a GP if:

back pain does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks;
the pain is stopping you doing your day-to-day activities;
the pain is severe or getting worse over time;
you are worried about the pain or you're struggling to cope.

What we mean by severe pain

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You have back pain and:

a high temperature;
you have lost weight without trying to;
there is a lump or swelling in your back or your back has changed shape;
the pain does not improve after resting or is worse at night;
the pain is made worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing;
the pain is coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back.

You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

Call 999 or go to the emergency department if you have back pain and:

pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs;
numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks;
difficulty peeing;
loss of bladder or bowel control (peeing or pooing yourself);
chest pain;
it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident.

Treatments for back pain

If your back pain is severe or not getting better, a GP may prescribe painkillers or medicines to relax the muscles in your back.

Other treatments may be recommended if your pain does not get better after a few weeks.

These include:

group exercise sessions and physiotherapy;
manual therapy – where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints in your back;
cognitive behavioural therapy to help you cope with the pain;
a procedure to seal off some of the nerves in your back so they stop sending pain signals (only for long-term lower back pain).

If your back pain is caused by a medical condition like a slipped disc and other treatments have not helped, surgery may be an option.

Burns and scalds

Burns and scalds are damage to the skin usually caused by heat. Both are treated in the same way.

A burn is caused by dry heat – by an iron or fire, for example. A scald is caused by something wet, such as hot water or steam.

Burns can be very painful and may cause:

red or peeling skin;
blisters;
swelling;
white or charred skin.

The amount of pain you feel is not always related to how serious the burn is. Even a very serious burn may be relatively painless.

Treating burns and scalds

To treat a burn, follow the first aid advice below:

immediately get the person away from the heat source to stop the burning;
remove any clothing or jewellery that is near the burnt area of skin, including babies' nappies, but do not move anything that is stuck to the skin;
cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 to 30 minutes – do not use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances like butter;
make sure the person keeps warm by using a blanket;
after cooling the burn, cover the burn by placing a layer of cling film over it – a clean plastic bag could also be used for burns on your hand;
use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain;
raise the affected area if possible to reduce swelling;
if it is an acid or chemical burn, dial 999, carefully try to remove the chemical and any contaminated clothing, and rinse the affected area using as much clean water as possible.

When to get medical attention

Depending on how serious a burn is, it may be possible to treat it at home. For minor burns, keep the burn clean and do not burst any blisters that form. More serious burns require professional medical attention.

You should go to a hospital emergency department for:

all chemical and electrical burns;
large or deep burns – any burn bigger than the injured person's hand;
burns that cause white or charred skin – any size;
burns on the face, neck, hands, feet, any joints or genitals.

If someone has breathed in smoke or fumes, they should also get medical attention.

Some symptoms may be delayed and can include:

coughing;
a sore throat;
difficulty breathing;
facial burns.

People at greater risk from the effects of burns, such as children under 10-years-old, should also get medical attention after a burn or scald.

The size and depth of the burn will be assessed, and the affected area cleaned before a dressing is applied. In severe cases, skin graft surgery may be recommended.

Cuts and grazes

Most cuts and grazes can be treated at home and will start to heal in a few days. But some wounds may need to be treated by a medical professional if there is a risk of infection or the cut is serious.

How to treat a cut or graze yourself

You can treat a cut or graze yourself by stopping any bleeding, cleaning the wound, and covering it with a plaster or dressing. This will help stop it from getting infected.

If it is painful, you can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (but do not give aspirin to children under 16).

What to do if the wound is bleeding a lot

Check the wound and make sure there is nothing stuck in it.
If there is nothing in the wound, put pressure on it using a bandage or a clean, folded cloth (such as a tea towel) for 10 minutes.
If there is something stuck in the wound, do not try to take it out. Make sure not to press down on the object. Press firmly on either side of it to push the edges of the wound together.
If the wound is on your hand or arm, raise it above your head. If the wound is on your lower limb, lie down and raise it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce the blood flow.
When the bleeding has stopped, firmly wrap a new bandage over the first cloth or bandage.
If the wound keeps bleeding, leave the first bandage in place and add another one. Keep pressing firmly on the wound for another 10 minutes.

How to clean and dress a cut or graze

If the bleeding has stopped, you can clean a small wound and then put a plaster or dressing over it.

Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them. Put on disposable gloves if you have some.
Clean the wound by rinsing it with bottled or tap water, or by using sterile wipes.
Clean the skin around the wound using soap and water or antiseptic – but try not to get antiseptic into the wound.
Pat the area dry using a gauze swab or a clean tea towel.
Put on a sterile dressing or a plaster.
Keep the dressing clean by changing it as often as you need. You can take it off after a few days, once the wound has closed.

Find out more:

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

a wound has soil, pus or body fluids in it, or it's still dirty after cleaning it;
you were bitten by a person or a wild or stray animal;
a cut is swollen, red and getting more painful or pus is coming out of it;
a cut is larger than approximately 5cm;
you have cut yourself and also feel generally unwell or have a high temperature.

You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

Call 999 or go to the emergency department if:

you have a cut and cannot stop the bleeding;
the blood comes out in spurts and is bright red and hard to control;
you lose feeling near the wound or have trouble moving it;
you have a bad cut on your face or the palm of your hand;
the wound is very large or deep;
there is something stuck in the cut, such as a shard of glass – do not try to take it out yourself.

Find your nearest emergency department.

Treatments for cuts and grazes

How a cut or graze is treated will depend on how bad it is and if there is a risk of it becoming infected.

The cut will be cleaned and closed with either stitches, strips or special glue before a dressing is put over it.

But the wound may not be closed straight away if it is infected or there is a risk it may get infected.

You may also need to have an injection to prevent tetanus or be given antibiotics if the cut could be infected.

Headaches

Most headaches go away on their own and are not a sign of something more serious.

How you can ease headaches yourself

Headaches can last between 30 minutes and several hours.

Do:

drink plenty of water;
get plenty of rest if you have a cold or the flu;
try to relax – stress can make headaches worse;
take paracetamol or ibuprofen;
try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.

Do not:

do not drink alcohol;
do not skip meals (even if you might not feel like eating anything);
do not sleep more than you usually would – it can make the headache worse;
do not strain your eyes for a long time – for example, by looking at a screen.

See a GP if:

your headache keeps coming back;
painkillers do not help and your headache gets worse;
you have a bad throbbing pain at the front or side of your head – it could be a migraine or, more rarely, a cluster headache;
you feel sick, vomit and find light or noise painful.

Get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you or your child has a severe headache and:

jaw pain when eating;
blurred or double vision;
a sore scalp;
other symptoms, such as numbness or weakness in the arms or legs.

Also, get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if your child is under 12 and has any one of the following:

a headache that wakes them at night;
a headache when they wake up in the morning;
a headache that gets progressively worse;
a headache triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing or bending down;
a headache with vomiting;
a headache with a squint (where the eyes point in different directions) or an inability to look upward.

You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

Call 999 or go to the emergency department if you or your child:

has a head injury – for example, from a fall or accident;
has a headache that came on suddenly and is extremely painful.

You or your child has an extremely painful headache and:

sudden problems speaking or remembering things;
loss of vision;
feel drowsy or confused;
has a very high temperature and symptoms of meningitis;
the white part of the eye is red.

Also, call 999 or go to the emergency department if your child is under 12 and has any one of the following:

a headache with vision problems or difficulty speaking, swallowing, balancing or walking;
a headache with drowsiness or a persistent lack of energy;
a headache that starts within five days of a head injury.

What can cause headaches?

The most common reasons are:

having a cold or flu;
stress;
drinking too much alcohol;
bad posture;
eyesight problems;
not eating regular meals;
not drinking enough fluids (dehydration);
taking too many painkillers;
having your period or during menopause.

Colds

You can often treat a cold without seeing a GP. You should begin to feel better in about one to two weeks.

Cold symptoms come on gradually and can include:

a blocked or runny nose;
a sore throat;
headaches;
muscle aches;
coughs;
sneezing;
a raised temperature;
pressure in your ears and face;
loss of taste and smell.

The symptoms are the same in adults and children. Sometimes symptoms last longer in children.

How you can treat a cold yourself

To help you get better more quickly:

rest and sleep;
drink plenty of water (fruit juice or squash mixed with water is OK) to avoid dehydration;
gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat (not suitable for children).

If you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

A pharmacist can help with cold medicines

You can buy cough and cold medicines from pharmacies or supermarkets. A pharmacist can advise you on the best medicine.

You can:

ease aches or lower a temperature with painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen;
relieve a blocked nose with decongestant sprays or tablets.

Decongestants should not be given to children under six. Children aged six to 12 should take them for no longer than five days.

Be careful not to use cough and cold medicines if you are taking paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets. Cough and cold medicines often also contain paracetamol and ibuprofen so it can be easy to take more than the recommended dose.

Some are not suitable for children, babies and pregnant women.

There is little evidence that supplements (such as vitamin C, echinacea or garlic) prevent colds or speed up recovery.

Find a pharmacy here.

Non-urgent advice

See a GP if:

your symptoms do not improve after three weeks;
your symptoms get suddenly worse;
your temperature is very high or you feel hot and shivery;
you are concerned about your child's symptoms;
you are feeling short of breath or develop chest pain;
you have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes, or a heart, lung or kidney condition;
you have a weakened immune system – for example, because you're having chemotherapy.

Antibiotics

GPs do not recommend antibiotics for colds because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, and colds are caused by viruses.

How to avoid spreading a cold

Colds are caused by viruses and easily spread to other people. You are infectious until all your symptoms have gone. This usually takes one to two weeks.

Colds are spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

To reduce the risk of spreading a cold:

wash your hands often with warm water and soap;
use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze;
bin used tissues as quickly as possible.

How to prevent catching a cold

A person with a cold can start spreading it from a few days before their symptoms begin until the symptoms have finished.

The best ways to avoid catching a cold are:

washing your hands with warm water and soap;
not sharing towels or household items (like cups) with someone who has a cold;
not touching your eyes or nose in case you have come into contact with the virus – it can infect the body this way;
staying fit and healthy.

The flu vaccine helps prevent the flu but not colds.

Sprains and strains

Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments. Most can be treated at home without seeing a GP.

It is likely to be a sprain or strain if:

you have pain, tenderness or weakness – often around your ankle, foot, wrist, thumb, knee, leg or back;
the injured area is swollen or bruised;
you cannot put weight on the injury or use it normally;
you have muscle spasms or cramping – where your muscles painfully tighten on their own.

Find out if it is a sprain or a strain here.

How to treat sprains and strains yourself

For the first couple of days, follow the four steps known as RICE therapy to help bring down swelling and support the injury:

Rest – stop any exercise or activities and try not to put any weight on the injury.
Ice – apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) to the injury for up to 20 minutes every two to three hours.
Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it.
Elevate – keep it raised on a pillow as much as possible.

To help prevent swelling, try to avoid heat (such as hot baths and heat packs), alcohol and massages for the first couple of days.

When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the joint or muscle does not become stiff.

Speak to a pharmacist about the best treatment for you. They might suggest tablets, or a cream or gel you rub on the skin.

At first, try painkillers like paracetamol to ease the pain and ibuprofen gel, mousse or spray to bring down swelling.

If needed, you can take ibuprofen tablets, capsules or syrup that you swallow.

Find a pharmacy here.

After two weeks, most sprains and strains will feel better.

Avoid strenuous exercise such as running for up to eight weeks, as there is a risk of further damage.

Severe sprains and strains can take months to get back to normal.

You cannot always prevent sprains and strains

Sprains and strains happen when you overstretch or twist a muscle.

Not warming up before exercising, tired muscles and playing sport are common causes.

Get advice from NHS 111 now if:

you have had an injury and:
it is very painful, or the pain is getting worse;
there is a large amount of swelling or bruising, or the swelling or bruising is getting worse;
it hurts to put weight on it;
it feels very stiff or is difficult to move;
it is not feeling any better after treating it yourself;
you also have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery – this could be an infection.

NHS 111 will tell you what to do. They can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.

Get help from NHS 111 online or call 111.

You may be given self-care advice or prescribed a stronger painkiller.

If you need an X-ray, it might be possible to have one at the unit, or you may be referred to hospital.

Physiotherapy for sprains and strains

If you have a sprain or strain that's taking longer than usual to get better, a GP may be able to refer you to a physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy from the NHS might not be available everywhere and waiting times can be long. You can also get it privately.

Find a physiotherapist here.

Call 999 or go to the emergency department if:

you heard a crack when you had your injury;
the injured body part has changed shape or is pointing at an odd angle;
the injured body part is numb, tingling or has pins and needles;
the skin around the injury has changed colour, such as looking blue or grey, or is cold to touch.

You may have broken a bone and will need an X-ray.

Dental abscess

Advice for patients with a suspected dental abscess.

What is a dental abscess?

A dental abscess is when an infection causes a collection of pus to develop in or around the teeth or gums. These can occur when bacteria gets into the gums or teeth due to tooth decay or sometimes because of trauma.

How do I know if I have a dental abscess?

Symptoms that may suggest a dental abscess include pain or swelling in your gum, high temperature, or a horrible taste in your mouth. More severe symptoms can include feeling unwell and difficulty opening your mouth.

What do I do if I think I may have a dental abscess?

It is best to see your dentist as soon as possible for an urgent assessment. Your dentist should usually arrange to see you within 48 hours. In the meantime, you should take regular painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to help control your symptoms.

Why can’t I just see my GP for treatment?

Definitive treatment for a dental abscess can only be given by a dentist, not your GP. The National Institute of Clinical Excellent guidelines state patients should be seen by a dentist for assessment as soon as possible. GPs are not trained in managing dental problems and simply treating with antibiotics will not eliminate the source of infection. Sometimes dental abscesses can lead to serious complications if not managed appropriately by seeing a dentist. This can include loss of the affected tooth, but can also lead to the spread of infection to the bone or brain causing sepsis, which is a life-threatening systemic infection. Furthermore, if prescribed an antibiotic by your GP, this can potentially mask the condition and make it harder for your dentist to diagnose, leading to a delay in definitive management.

If you are not registered with a local dentist, it’s a good idea to do so before you have any issues and to ensure you get regular check-ups. Find your local dentist here.

If you are not registered with a dentist and have a dental emergency, please call 111 for advice.

Norovirus (vomiting bug)

Norovirus, also called the vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about two days.

The main symptoms of norovirus are:

feeling sick (nausea);
diarrhoea;
being sick (vomiting).

You may also have:

a high temperature;
a headache;
aching arms and legs.

The symptoms start suddenly within one to two days of being infected.

How to treat norovirus yourself

You can usually treat yourself or your child at home.

The most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

You will usually start to feel better in two to three days.

Find out how to treat diarrhoea and vomiting in children and adults

School, nursery or work

Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days. This is when you are most infectious. Do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time. Norovirus can spread very easily.

You can catch norovirus from:

close contact with someone with norovirus;
touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth;
eating food that has been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus.

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.

Get advice from NHS 111 now if:

you are worried about a baby under 12 months;
your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they're ill;
a child under five years has signs of dehydration – such as fewer wet nappies;
you or your child (over five years) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets;
you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down;
you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom;
you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days.

NHS 111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Call 999 or go to the emergency department if you or your child: