Self help and advice
Colds and flu, sore throats, upset stomachs, and aches and pains are not a serious problem for most people. You can treat yourself at home or with advice from a local pharmacist, helping you to feel better sooner. This can save you a trip to the surgery and free up time for GPs to see patients with more serious health problems.
Make sure your medicine cabinet has essentials like painkillers, antihistamines, cold and flu remedies, anti-diarrhoea and indigestion medicine. Keep medicines out of the reach of children.
- The NHS website health A to Z is a complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.
- You can also use the NHS App or your NHS account to access healthcare advice and service information (you don’t have to download the app to use this service, you can use the web browser). Find out more about the NHS App or NHS account.
- The Live Well section on the NHS website has general advice and tips to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing. Here you will find advice and information on exercise, alcohol support, eating well, maintaining healthy weight, sleep and tiredness, quitting smoking and sexual health.
- The NHS website mental health section helps with mental health advice or support.
- The Every Mind Matters website also provides self-help advice to look after and manage your mental health.