Three things we recommend

Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a painkiller medicine which also helps to bring down temperature. It is useful for all types of pain and is used in both children over 3 months and adults with temperature symptoms. Always read the label and do not exceed the stated dose in a 24 hour period. It is available to buy over the counter. Please do not make an appointment purely to get a prescription for paracetamol.

Ibuprofen
This is an anti inflammatory medicine which is also very good at relieving pain and temperature symptoms. It is recommended for use in children when over 12 months old and adults. Please note this medicine can make asthma symptoms worse, and therefore we do not generally recommend it for asthmatic patients. Always read the label and do not exceed the stated dose. We would also recommend caution in patients with known stomach problems, ulcers or regular indigestion. Always take the least amount needed for the shortest time possible and always after food. Stop if indigestion symptoms occur.

Fluids
When ill with temperatures or viral illnesses as described below it is vital that the fluids intake is increased. You do not necessarily need to worry about your food intake for a few days as long as fluids are being taken. This is particularly true of children who often do no want to eat when they feel unwell. Watered down juices or flat sugary drinks such as lemonade is ideal.

health Advice

Children with high temperatures
A raised temperature occurs very often even with mild infection and is not in itself, necessarily a serious sign. In small children , however, it is important not to let the temperature rise too high and children should be given paracetamol or ibuprofen syrup, which can be bought from the chemist, give plenty of cool fluids to drink and should wear very little clothing. If necessary the child can be sponged down in luke warm water but not a cold bath. If the temperature is very high and does not come down with the above measures or the child appears very unwell, you should consult your doctor. An adult or child with a temperature will come to no harm if they are wrapped up and brought to the surgery. In fact it is usually helpful to come out in the fresh air.

Coughs, Colds and Influenza
These conditions are usually caused by viruses and as such, are not curable by your doctor with antibiotics which do not have any effect at all on viral illness. You should rest; take plenty of fluids and regular paracetamol or ibuprofen. If the condition gets worse, does not settle or a cough develops with coloured sputum then call for an appointment with your doctor for advice.

Sore throat
Usually viral and often accompanied by temperature. Most sore throats are viral and will not respond to antibiotics. Take regular paracetamol or ibuprofen as prescribed for pain and fever. Drink plenty of fluids. If you have a high temperature, feel very unwell and cannot swallow fluids you need to see your doctor.

Diarrhoea and vomiting
Most of these cases are viral, may be accompanied by fever and usually settle within a few days. Eat nothing but drink plenty of fluids or rehydration sachets available from the chemist - little and often to avoid dehydration. Small children and babies can dehydrate quickly; look out for lack of urine and undue drowsiness and if present you should contact the doctor/nurse. If the condition last for longer than 3 days, if you have just returned from abroad or are concerned contact the doctor/nurse.

Earache in children
Earache most often occurs with or just after a cold. We now know this condition which used to be treated with antibiotics often gets better on its own just as quickly with no specific treatment. In fact antibiotics do not help prevent any complications such as perforated ear drum and may cause side effects of their own. Pain relief with paracetamol or ibuprofen is all that is required. If the child is under 2 years of age or has a high temperature or the condition does not seem to settle, call and see your doctor to check.

Head Injuries
Most of these give rise to little in the way of problems but if a head injury causes unconsciousness, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion or worsening headache then urgent attention may be called for and the patient should be taken to the nearest Accident and Emergency at once.

Head Lice
Contrary to popular belief, head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene but prefer clean hair. Wet combing hair on a weekly basis with a nit comb and conditioner can help prevent and detect head lice. Children and adults only need treating with lotion if live, crawling, lice are found in the hair Your chemist will be able to provide medicated head lotion without prescription.

Worms
Not nice to think about but fortunately threadworms are harmless. Children are most commonly affected and irritation around the back passage or vagina in girls is the usual symptom. Check the anus of the patient at night and look for worms that look like strands of cotton ¼“long. Effective treatment is available from the chemist and the whole family should be treated at the same time. Strict hand hygiene is vital after using the toilet and before handling/eating food.

Meningitis
Fortunately this is rare. Each case varies with differing symptoms, some of which are easily identifiable and others more general.

• Older children and adults – may have vomiting, fever, headache, back or joint pains, neck stiffness, dislike of bright light, drowsiness and a rash which may appear late on (or not at all ). The rash looks like tiny red pinpricks or larger purple bruises and if squashed under a glass tumbler does not go white/disappear.
   
• Babies – may be drowsy, irritable, off feeds, floppy or twitchy, distressed on handling or feverish. They may have diarrhoea or vomiting, a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the top of their head) a high pitched cry, blotchy or pale skin or a rash as described above.
  
  This is a serious emergency and you should contact your doctor immediately or call 999.