Welcome to our self help section.
A lot of minor illnesses you will suffer get better by themselves and do not need to be seen by a doctor. Most sore throats, earaches and coughs are caused by viruses and do not need antibiotics. Please try to treat these at home with painkillers, fluids and simple remedies from a pharmacy.
A good source of self help leaflets are available at
www.patient.co.uk (clicking this link will open a new window)
Pharmacies are good sources of advice and can provide free medications under the 'minor ailments scheme'. Please use this service to obtain paracetamol and ibuprofen for children to avoid having to see a doctor for this.
To access 24 hour health and symptom advice use the NHS Choices website
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSdirect/pages/symptoms.aspx?sat=InitialAssessment