Looking after yourself is often the best option for a speedy recovery. Keeping your medicine cabinet well stocked means you can have the right treatment immediately. This could include:

• Medicines which provide pain relief and reduce high temperature e.g. paracetamol
• Medicine for indigestion relief e.g. antacid
• Cough and cold remedies
• Plasters and antiseptic for minor cuts and grazes

Your pharmacist would be able to advise you on this. Some medicines can be bought 24 hours a day from supermarkets, petrol stations and local shops.

NHS Inform has some useful self help guides for common short term illnesses which you can use.

If you have a long term condition, a condition that requires ongoing medication, you will stay healthier if you get to understand your condition better and know what to do if your symptoms worsen. Take your medication regularly and make the changes to your lifestyle that have been advised.

For children’s illnesses talk to your Health Visitor for advice or ask your GP for ‘When should I worry?’ – your guide to coughs, colds, earache and sore throats. If your symptoms get worse or persist you should seek further advice from your pharmacist, GP or NHS 24 phone: 111.

Did You Know?

• Many people go to Accident and Emergency departments each year unnecessarily with minor ailments and injuries which could be treated at home
• NHS Inform – the new national health information service for Scotland contains a wide range of health information and advice, including information on long term conditions