Many conditions get better on their own. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you about medicines which you can buy over the counter to ease symptoms.

COLDS AND FLU
These symptoms include a runny nose, cough, temperature, headache, muscle aches and pains. Symptoms can be eased by using paracetamol or aspirin (aged over 12 yrs). Rest and drink lots of fluids. You are unlikely to want to eat much for a few days.

DIARRHOEA AND VOMITING
Vomiting usually settles within 24 hrs. Diarrhoea may persist for 2-7 days. When vomiting, take only sips of water. It is important to drink a lot of fluids with diarrhoea. Infants up to 12 months old are recommended to use a sugar and electrolyte drink (e.g. dioralyte or rehidrat). Only bottle fed babies need to avoid food with diarrhoea. 

SORE THROATS
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and antibiotics have no effect. Aspirin (aged over 16 yrs) or paracetamol may help with the pain while it runs its course of 5-7 days. If you are unable to swallow you may have quinsy and you should consult the doctor. Also, patients who have had a spleen removed need to seek medical advice.

BRONCHITIS
A feverish illness with cough, coloured phlegm and often soreness in the chest. It normally resolves in 1-2 weeks although the cough may take a further 2 weeks to settle. Antibiotics are not routinely used but recommended to those with chronic lung and heart disease.

EARACHE
Earache may be left to get better on its own using paracetamol to relieve symptoms. You may consult the doctor of there is discharge from the ear or if deafness is present for more than a few weeks.

SINUSITIS
Characterised by yellow or green nasal catarrh and facial pain. This illness resolves spontaneously but can last 3 to 4 weeks. Initially treatment with paracetamol and steam inhalations can help with symptoms but if the symptoms persist for a week or more, antibiotics may shorten the length of the disease.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German Measles) can be prevented by immunisation. Along with Chickenpox they are caused by a virus. There is no specific treatment but any fever can be helped with paracetamol. Pregnant women should seek advice if they come into contact with German Measles or Chickenpox.

STARTING A FAMILY
Before you get pregnant, make sure you are immune to German Measles by having a blood test. Take Folic Acid supplements. These are available at pharmacists and reduce the risk of a spina bifida baby. Cut alcohol consumption to less than 14 units a week and stop smoking if you do so. It's important to avoid Chickenpox when pregnant.

HEALTH PROMOTION STUDIES
The doctor and nurse are both available during normal surgery hours to give advice and support to patients seeking a healthy lifestyle. You can improve your health by:-
* Not smoking
* Taking regular exercise
* Eating a healthy diet
* Drinking alcohol in moderation
* 5 yearly blood pressure checks if over 35 years
* Not becoming overweight
* Complete childhood immunisation