Self-Care

Self care is about looking after yourself in a healthy way. It can be anything from doing some exercise, managing common conditions (also sometimes called minor ailments) like headaches, coughs & colds and hay fever or living with a long-term health problem, such as asthma or diabetes.

Why should I self care?

You can manage most common conditions at home with support from community pharmacists, without the need to see your GP.

You will help ease the pressure on NHS services if you can manage the condition at home.
You can help free up some of your GP or nurse’s time, making it easier to get an appointment when you have a more serious or complex condition.

You will help to reduce the amount spent by your local NHS on medicines that are available over the counter and release resource to fund other health conditions and treatments.

How can I self care?

Many common conditions can be treated at home with the support of your local pharmacy if needed. Over the counter products for self care are things like pain relief, hay fever medication and cough and cold remedies. These items can be bought from pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription.

They are also often cheaper this way. You can get them without an appointment or seeing a doctor. Download the leaflet of visit www.nhs.uk for more advice on how to self care.

Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home can help you treat many minor ailments. Colds, coughs, indigestion and many other minor complaints can all be treated with medicines that are available over the counter.

Your pharmacist can advise on what you might find useful to keep in your medicine cabinet. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label and consult your doctor if the illness continues or becomes more severe.

Group A Streptococcus - Information for families and carers of children

You may have seen reports about a higher-than-usual level of Group A streptococcus (GAS) infections in children this year, and we understand if you are concerned.

GAS is a common bacteria – lots of people carry it without being unwell.

It can cause many common mild infections, including sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics. 

The information below explains how it is spread, and what to look for when your child is unwell.

How is it spread?

GAS spreads by close contact with an infected person. It can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, or from a wound.

Which infections does GAS cause?

The bacteria usually causes a mild infection, producing sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics.

What is invasive group A strep?

This is when the bacteria gets into the bloodstream and causes serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). These cases are very rare.

Symptoms of mild GAS infections

Symptoms of mild infections include: sore throat; fever; chills; muscle aches; and in cases of scarlet fever, a rash and a white coating on the tongue, which peels leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in bumps

When to contact us:

– If your child is not recovering after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection, and you are concerned they are becoming more unwell

– If your child is drinking much less (50% less) than normal

– If your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration

– If your baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38C, or is three to six months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher

– If your child is very tired or irritable

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

– Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs

– There are pauses when your child breathes

– Your child’s tongue or lips are blue, or their skin is mottled/pale

– Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

– Your child has a weak, continuous, or high-pitched cry