GENERAL INFORMATION

Minor Ailments

These can often be treated at home without needing to see a doctor.
Your local pharmacist can give you professional advice regarding medicines that you can buy over the counter

The nearest pharmacies to the surgery are :

Pharmacy Department, Co-operative, Newfield Green
Gleadless Valley Pharmacy , Blackstock Road
Lloyds Pharmacy, Gleadless Road, Heeley Green

Adult Colds and Flu, or sore throats, should be treated with rest, plenty of drinks ( avoid alcohol ) and paracetamol or ibuprofen. Most will improve after 2-3 days , but if symptoms worsen you should obtain medical advice.

A sore throat will often be the first symptom of a cold and may last for 2 days before the cold develops. If the throat is very painful and makes it difficult for you to swallow or is accompanied by headaches , sweats and high temperatures you should seek medical advice.

Rashes associated with illness and which do not fade when you press a glass onto them can be serious and you should seek advice immediately.

Diarrhoea and vomiting is usually caused by a virus and may be accompanied by a temperature. You need to drink frequent small amounts of watery drinks and you can use loperamide ( available from your pharmacist ) if the diarrhoea doesn’t ease in 6-8 hours. If diarrhoea and vomiting persists after 48 hours, you should seek medical advice.

Insect bites tend to swell a little and be intensely itchy. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you on a cream to apply to relieve the symptoms. If you feel ill consult one of the doctors.

Hay fever whch is at its peak in May, June and July can be treated by antihistamines which are available over the counter, or by using nasal sprays and eye drops.