Self-Help for Minor Ailments

Antibiotics: Antibiotics only work in bacterial infections and are not effective against viruses. This means that common viral infections such as colds and flu will not be helped by them at all. Occasionally, a secondary bacterial infection develops and we may then use antibiotics. The correct treatments for these and other viral infections are outlined below. Overuse of antibiotics may lead to them not working in the future and to more complications such as rash, diarrhoea, thrush etc.

Colds & Catarrh: Take plenty of fluids, and paracetamol as necessary (or if older than 16 years, aspirin). Steam inhalation may help (menthol, eucalyptus etc) and if the catarrh is severe try Sudafed (available at chemists). You should be over the worst in two or three days and fully recovered within seven to ten days.

Coughs: Dry coughs are a nuisance but do not usually last long. Some relief can be gained from honey and lemon in hot water or a cough linctus. If you bring up coloured phlegm you may require an antibiotic.

Sore Throats: These usually settle within three to five days with a gargle (eg TCP, salt and water or soluble aspirin if older than 16 years). Drink plenty of fluids and use lozenges if they help. If your neck glands are enlarged and tender and you have a high temperature you may require an antibiotic.

Laryngitis: Hoarseness is usually caused by viral infection or overuse of the vocal chords. Rest your voice and avoid smoke. Antibiotics are of no use whatsoever. If hoarseness persists for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor.

Flu: Symptoms may be quite severe with high temperature, headache, general aches and pains; sometimes there is also a gastric upset. Plenty of fluids and paracetamol (or aspirin if over 16 years) are all that is required.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting: For both adults and children it is best to avoid all solids for 12 – 24 hours; drink plenty of fluids in frequent small amounts. Babies and young children may require Dioralyte if the diarrhoea is severe.
If babies and toddlers show no improvement in 48 hours they should be seen by the doctor. After 12 – 24 hours start with a light diet (eg bread, soup, boiled potato, chicken etc). Colic is usually relieved with paracetamol.

Looking After Your Child With A High Temperature: A child usually develops a fever in response to an infection. Usually the child will get over the infection without antibiotics. A few children, usually under three years old, may have a convulsion with a high temperature. It is therefore important to bring the temperature down, to make sure your child is comfortable and to avoid convulsions.
If your child has a temperature or feels hot:-
Give paracetamol at the higher recommended dose. Do not give aspirin to under 16s.
Undress your child and avoid thick covers at night.
Give plenty of cool drinks as fluid is lost with a fever.
Sponging with a cool flannel will make them feel better and reduce the temperature.
Repeat the dose of paracetamol every four hours if necessary.
If your child does not improve ask your doctor for advice.
You will not make matters worse if you bring your child out to see the doctor. Sometimes the fresh air makes feverish children feel better.
If there is no improvement within 48 hours or the raised temperature is associated with other symptoms (eg sore throat, chesty cough, wheeze or a rash) then we will need to see them.

Childhood Rashes: If your child is basically well but has a rash, this is usually due to a viral infection (eg German measles, but there are many others). It will settle without treatment in two to four days. If the child is ill with the rash then they should be seen by a doctor.

Chickenpox: There is an itchy rash with small blisters mainly on the body, but also on arms, legs, face and scalp. Calamine lotion is usually all that is required; occasionally antihistamines are necessary to control the itch (Phenergan or Piriton are available at the chemist). It is infectious for about five days after the last batch of spots appear.

Headlice: These parasites, contrary to belief, will attack clean hair and are not necessarily a sign of poor personal hygiene. Only patients with live headlice require treatment. There is no benefit in treating non-affected individuals. Medicated head lotion can be obtained from the chemist without prescription.

Available direct from your chemist:
Paracetamol
Aspirin (over 16 only)
Laxatives
Anti-diarrhoea medicines including Dioralyte
Antihistamines; and many more – your chemist will be happy to advise you.