Treat minor illnesses at home

How long: you should start to feel better in 1 to 2 weeks.

What to do: rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need to. A warm drink of lemon and honey can soothe a sore throat (do not give honey to babies under 1). Stay at home if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell for your usual activities.

A pharmacist can advise on decongestants and other cold remedies, and which are safe for children or in pregnancy.

Contact us if:

• you are no better after 10 days, or you are getting worse
• you have had a high temperature for more than 3 days
• you feel short of breath or have chest pain
• you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes or heart, lung or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system
• you are worried about a child

Read more about colds (opens the NHS website)

What to do: rest, keep warm, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a temperature and aches. Do not take a cold and flu remedy that contains paracetamol as well as paracetamol tablets. Antibiotics do not work for flu.

Contact us the same day, or call 111 if we are closed, if:

• you are no better after 7 days
• you are 65 or over, pregnant or have recently had a baby
• you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes or a heart, lung, liver, kidney or nerve condition, or a weakened immune system
• you feel very unwell or short of breath
• you are worried about a baby or child

Call 999 or go to A&E if you get sudden chest pain, find it very hard to breathe, or start coughing up blood.

The flu vaccine is the best protection. Find out if you can have it

Read more about flu (opens the NHS website)

How long: a cough usually clears up on its own within 3 to 4 weeks.

What to do: rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need to. A warm drink of lemon and honey may help (not for babies under 1).

A pharmacist can advise on cough medicines. They may ease a cough but will not stop it, and some are not suitable for children under 12.

Contact us if:

• you have had a cough for more than 3 weeks
• you have lost weight without trying
• you have a weakened immune system

Contact us the same day, or call 111 if we are closed, if:

• your cough is very bad or getting worse quickly
• you feel very unwell, have chest pain or find it hard to breathe
• you are coughing up blood

Read more about coughs (opens the NHS website)

How long: usually about a week.

What to do: drink plenty of fluids, eat cool or soft food, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need to. Adults can gargle with warm salty water.

A pharmacist can check your throat and, for anyone aged 5 or over, give antibiotics if you need them (Pharmacy First).

Contact us if:

• a child under 5 has a sore throat
• it is no better after a week
• you keep getting sore throats
• you have a lump in your neck, or a mouth ulcer that has lasted more than 3 weeks

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child cannot swallow, is drooling, makes a high-pitched sound when breathing, or finds it hard to breathe.

Read more about sore throats (opens the NHS website)

How long: most ear infections start to get better after a few days, and most people are better within 7 to 8 days.

What to do: take paracetamol or ibuprofen and hold a warm flannel against the ear. Do not put anything in the ear, such as cotton buds.

A pharmacist can check the ear and, for children and young people aged 1 to 17, give antibiotics for a middle ear infection if needed (Pharmacy First).

Contact us the same day, or call 111 if we are closed, if:

• earache has lasted more than 2 to 3 days
• there is fluid coming from the ear, swelling around it, or a change in hearing
• you feel generally unwell or have a very high temperature
• a child under 2 has earache in both ears

Read more about earache (opens the NHS website)

How long: usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks.

What to do: rest, drink plenty of fluids, take paracetamol or ibuprofen, and try rinsing your nose with salt water.

A pharmacist can treat sinusitis in anyone aged 12 or over and give the same medicines a GP would (Pharmacy First).

Contact us if:

• you are no better after 3 weeks, or after 7 days of treatment from a pharmacist
• you keep getting sinusitis
• your child is 11 or under

Contact us the same day, or call 111 if we are closed, if you feel very unwell, painkillers do not help, or you have a weakened immune system.

Read more about sinusitis (opens the NHS website)

How long: vomiting usually stops within 1 to 2 days, and diarrhoea within 5 to 7 days.

What to do: rest and drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, in small sips if you feel sick. Eat when you feel able. Avoid fruit juice and fizzy drinks. Keep breastfeeding or bottle feeding babies, and do not make formula weaker than usual.

Stay off work, school or nursery until you have had no diarrhoea or vomiting for 2 days. Wash your hands often, and do not prepare food for other people.

A pharmacist can recommend rehydration sachets, and medicine to stop diarrhoea for adults (not for children under 12).

Call 111 if:

• you are worried about a baby under 12 months, or your baby stops feeding
• a child under 5 has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
• you keep being sick and cannot keep fluids down
• there is blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom
• diarrhoea lasts more than 7 days, or vomiting more than 2 days

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child is vomiting blood or green vomit, has a sudden severe headache or tummy pain, a stiff neck, blue, grey or blotchy skin, severe difficulty breathing, or is confused or not responding as usual.

Read more about diarrhoea and vomiting (opens the NHS website)

What to do: add more fibre to your diet gradually, such as oats, wholemeal bread, fruit and vegetables, drink plenty of fluids and try to be more active. Go to the toilet when you feel the need, and rest your feet on a low stool while you sit.

A pharmacist can recommend a laxative if these changes have not helped. Most work within 3 days. Use them for a short time only. Ask a pharmacist or us about constipation in children.

Contact us if:

• you are not getting better with treatment, or you are often constipated
• you have blood in your poo, or your bowel habits have suddenly changed
• you have lost weight without trying, often feel bloated, or have tummy pain
• you feel tired all the time
• you take a medicine that may be causing it, such as an opioid painkiller (do not stop it without talking to us)

Read more about constipation (opens the NHS website)

What to do: eat smaller meals more often, avoid foods that set it off, raise the head end of your bed, cut down on alcohol, stop smoking, and lose weight if you need to.

A pharmacist can recommend antacids or alginates, best taken with or soon after food. They ease symptoms but are not for long-term use.

Contact us if:

• pharmacy medicines and these changes have not helped
• you have heartburn most days
• food feels like it sticks in your throat, you are often sick, or you have lost weight without trying

Contact us, or call 111 if we are closed, if your symptoms get worse.

Read more about heartburn and acid reflux (opens the NHS website)

A high temperature is 38C or more. It is very common in young children and usually goes away within a few days.

What to do: give plenty of fluids, keep breastfeeding, and check on your child regularly, including at night. Give paracetamol or ibuprofen if they seem distressed or uncomfortable, following the dose on the packet. Do not undress them, sponge them down or wrap them up. Do not give aspirin to under-16s.

Call 111 if your child:

• is under 3 months old with a temperature of 38C or more
• is 3 to 6 months old with a temperature of 39C or more
• has had a high temperature for 5 days or more
• has a rash, is not eating, is not their usual self, or shows signs of dehydration

Call 999 if your child:

• has a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
• has a stiff neck, or bright lights hurt their eyes
• has a fit (seizure) for the first time
• is drowsy and hard to wake, or very agitated or confused
• has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue, or cold hands and feet
• finds it hard to breathe or is breathing very fast

Read more about high temperature in children (opens the NHS website)

How long: most headaches last from 30 minutes to a few hours, and go away on their own.

What to do: drink plenty of water, rest, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Try not to skip meals, drink alcohol or look at screens for a long time.

Contact us if you get headaches often, or self-care is not helping. Contact us the same day, or call 111 if we are closed, if a headache comes with vomiting or eye problems, is worse when you cough, sneeze or bend, or wakes a child at night.

Call 999 or go to A&E if a headache comes on suddenly and is extremely painful, or comes with a fit, weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of vision, a stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade under a glass, or you have had a head injury in the last 3 months.

Read more about headaches (opens the NHS website)

How long: usually gets better within a few weeks.

What to do: keep moving and carry on with your usual activities as much as you can. Avoid long periods in bed. Ibuprofen may help, if it is safe for you. Try a heat or ice pack wrapped in a tea towel, and gentle exercises and stretches.

Contact us if the pain is no better after a few weeks, stops you doing everyday things, is worse at night, or comes with weight loss you cannot explain.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have numbness around your genitals or bottom, weakness or numbness in both legs, or you cannot control or have difficulty with peeing or pooing.

Read more about back pain (opens the NHS website)

How long: most feel better after about 2 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise, such as running, for up to 8 weeks.

What to do: for the first 2 to 3 days, rest it, hold an ice pack on it for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours, and keep it raised. Avoid heat, alcohol and massage at first. Once you can, keep it moving gently.

A pharmacist can advise on painkillers, including gels you rub on.

Call 111 or go to an urgent treatment centre if you cannot put any weight on it, the pain or swelling is getting worse, or it is no better after self-care.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you heard a crack when it happened, it looks out of shape, or it is numb, cold or blue.

Read more about sprains and strains (opens the NHS website)

How long: most heal within a few days.

What to do: press on the cut with a clean cloth until it stops bleeding, then rinse it with clean water, pat it dry and cover it with a plaster or dressing.

Contact us the same day, or call 111 if we are closed, if the cut is longer than about 5cm, stays dirty after cleaning, becomes red, swollen or painful, or you were bitten by an animal or a person. You may need a tetanus injection.

Call 999 or go to A&E if the bleeding will not stop, the cut is deep, large or on the face or palm, something is stuck in it, or you cannot feel or move the area.

Read more about cuts and grazes (opens the NHS website)

What to do straight away: hold the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes. Take off clothing or jewellery near it, unless it is stuck. Then cover it loosely with cling film. Do not use creams, butter, plasters or ice, and do not burst blisters. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain.

Call 111 if you are not sure what to do, or for advice about a child under 5.

Call 999 or go to A&E if the burn is large or deep, is on the face, genitals or bottom, or was caused by a chemical or electricity.

Read more about burns and scalds (opens the NHS website)

How long: headache and feeling sick or dizzy can last up to 2 weeks.

What to do: hold a wrapped ice pack on the bump, rest, and take paracetamol for a headache. An adult should stay with the person for the first 24 hours. Avoid alcohol, and do not play contact sports for at least 3 weeks.

Call 111 if the person is being sick or feels dizzy, takes blood-thinning medicine, or had been drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Call 999 if they were knocked out and have not woken, cannot stay awake, have a fit, have problems with vision, speech, balance or walking, have fluid or blood coming from the ears or nose, or behave very differently. Also call 999 for any bruise, swelling or large cut on the head of a baby under 1.

Read more about head injuries (opens the NHS website)

How long: most settle within a few days.

What to do: remove any sting or tick, wash the area, and hold something cold on it. Antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream can help with itching. Try not to scratch.

A pharmacist can treat an infected bite (hot, red, swollen or leaking) for anyone aged 1 or over, including antibiotics if needed (Pharmacy First).

Contact us if a baby under 1 has been bitten or stung, or you get flu-like symptoms or a bullseye-shaped rash after a tick bite.

Call 999 if there are signs of a serious allergic reaction: swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, blue, grey or pale skin, or sudden confusion, dizziness or fainting.

Read more about insect bites and stings (opens the NHS website)

How long: usually gets better within 2 weeks without treatment.

What to do: clean crusts from the eyelashes with cooled boiled water and a clean cotton pad for each eye. Do not wear contact lenses until it has cleared. Children do not need to stay off school or nursery unless they feel very unwell.

A pharmacist can advise and suggest eye drops. Children under 2 need to see a GP for treatment.

Phone a CUES optician the same day, or call 111, if you have eye pain, bright lights hurt your eyes, your vision changes or your eyes are very red. Contact us the same day, or call 111 if we are closed, if a baby under 30 days old has red, sticky eyes. Contact us if it has not cleared within 7 days.

Read more about conjunctivitis (opens the NHS website)

What to do: put petroleum jelly around your nostrils, wear wraparound sunglasses outside, shower and change your clothes after being outdoors, and keep windows closed when the pollen count is high.

A pharmacist can recommend antihistamine tablets, eye drops or a steroid nose spray. Ask for a non-drowsy antihistamine if you need one.

Contact us if your symptoms are getting worse or medicines from a pharmacy have not helped.

Read more about hay fever (opens the NHS website)

How long: usually clear up on their own within 10 days. They are catching from the first tingle until they have healed.

What to do: take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, try not to touch the sore, and wash your hands after touching it. Do not kiss babies while you have a cold sore.

A pharmacist can recommend antiviral creams, which work best if you use them at the first tingle, and patches to cover the sore.

Contact us if it has not started to heal within 10 days, is very large or painful, or you have a weakened immune system.

Read more about cold sores (opens the NHS website)

How long: usually clears within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment.

What to do: wash with water and an emollient instead of soap, dry well, and wear cotton underwear. Avoid perfumed soaps, shower gels and douches.

A pharmacist can recommend antifungal treatment if you have had thrush diagnosed before and recognise the symptoms. Some creams can damage condoms and diaphragms.

Contact us, or a sexual health clinic, if:

• it is the first time you have had these symptoms
• you are under 16 or over 60
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• it keeps coming back (more than 4 times a year), or treatment has not worked
• you have a weakened immune system

Read more about vaginal thrush (opens the NHS website)

How long: usually gets better on its own in 1 to 2 weeks.

What to do: give paracetamol for pain and discomfort. Do not give ibuprofen unless a doctor says so, as it can cause serious skin infections, and do not give aspirin to under-16s. Try to stop your child scratching.

Stay off school, nursery or work until all the spots have formed scabs, usually about 5 days after they appeared. Keep away from pregnant people, newborn babies and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Call 111 if:

• the skin around the blisters is red, hot or painful
• your child has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
• you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system and have been near someone with chickenpox
• a newborn baby has chickenpox or has been near someone with it
• you are more short of breath than usual

Read more about chickenpox (opens the NHS website)

Impetigo is a skin infection that spreads easily and usually causes crusty, golden sores.

A pharmacist can treat impetigo in anyone aged 1 or over, with the same medicines a GP would give (Pharmacy First).

Stay off school, nursery or work until 48 hours after starting treatment, or until the sores have crusted over and healed if you are not treated. Do not share towels, and wash your hands often.

Contact us if:

• your baby is under 1
• you are breastfeeding and the sores are on your breasts
• you have a weakened immune system
• it gets worse after treatment, or keeps coming back

Read more about impetigo (opens the NHS website)

What to do: check by combing wet, conditioned hair with a detection comb. Treat by wet combing on days 1, 5, 9 and 13, then check again on day 17, or use a lotion or spray from a pharmacy. Treat everyone in the home with head lice on the same day.

Children do not need to stay off school. You do not need to see a GP: if treatments are not working, ask a pharmacist.

Read more about head lice and nits (opens the NHS website)

Threadworms are tiny white worms that cause itching around the bottom, especially at night.

A pharmacist can give you medicine for everyone in your home aged 2 and over, even if they have no symptoms. Tell them if a child is under 2, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as you may need to see us.

Keep up good hygiene for 2 weeks after treatment (6 weeks if you cannot take the medicine): wash hands and scrub nails, shower each morning, and wash bedding, towels and nightwear. There is no need to stay off school or work.

Read more about threadworms (opens the NHS website)