Treat Common Ailments at Home this Christmas with a Well-Stocked Medicine Kit

News Release from NHS Stockport CCG

Have you got the right medicines at home to deal with everyday ailments over the festive season?  With a well-stocked medicine kit, you can look after yourself and your family at home, quickly and easily, if they come down with common everyday ailments like coughs and colds.

With many common ailments you don’t need to see a GP or go to A&E, as a range of common ailments will clear up on their own, but you can also use self care tips to help ease the symptoms.

This list of items, recommended by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, will help you deal with most minor health problems and illnesses at home this Christmas: painkillers, thermometer, oral rehydration sachets for diarrhoea, antiseptic cream, antihistamine tablets. You can pick these items up from supermarkets, pharmacy and local shops while you’re out Christmas shopping.

Dr Cath Munro, Chair of NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group, said;

“If you make sure you’ve got a reasonably well-stocked medicine cabinet you can treat most minor illnesses, like sore throats, coughs, colds and upset stomachs. You can start treatment to ease the symptoms at home, straightway.

“It can save you a trip to your doctor’s surgery, and it also means that GPs can concentrate on patients who really need their expertise. Remember your local pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who can help with minor illnesses with free advice and you don’t need to book an appointment with them.”

You can also get medical advice help 24 hours a day by using NHS 111. Go online at 111.nhs.uk/ or call 111. You can use the NHS website to find what your symptoms are, how to ease them and the next steps.

When keeping medicines at home, the advice from the NHS is:

• always follow the directions on medicine packets and information leaflets, and never take more than the stated dose
• always keep medicines out of sight and reach of children – a high, lockable cupboard in a cool, dry place is ideal
• check the expiry dates on medicines – do not use a medicine that's past its use-by date; take it to a pharmacy, where it can be disposed of safely

A pharmacist can answer any questions you have about medicines.

If your symptoms get worse or you are concerned, call 111. In a life threatening situation, call 999 or go straight to your nearest emergency department this Christmas.

For more information on how to stay well this winter please visit www.nhs.uk/staywell