TWYFORD SURGERY Minor Illness

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1 Minor Illness The doctors and nurses at Twyford Surgery are aware that getting an appointment can be difficult and frustrating at times. We have looked at how appointments are used and have found that many people see a GP or nurse for minor illnesses when they may not need to. If we can help patients manage these illnesses themselves, it would free up appointments for more serious or urgent matters. This leaflet is designed to give you some information on common minor illnesses, what to expect and when to seek medical attention. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR SYMPTOMS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH A DOCTOR. In general, it may be appropriate to see a doctor if you are unwell and: - You are over 80 years old - Your child is under 3 months - You have another chronic (long-term) illness which may make you more vulnerable to minor illnesses - Symptoms persist beyond the expected timeframe (see below) - Symptoms seem unusual or you are worried about them - You have any other concerns

2 Earache Average total length of symptoms 4 days (may be longer or shorter than this) Common symptoms: Pain, loss of hearing, fever, pulling or rubbing ear (young children), generally unwell (young children) Inflammation and the resulting build-up of fluid in the middle ear from either bacterial or viral infections. Most people WILL NOT require antibiotics as the infection will resolve on its own within a few days. Those who should see a doctor include: - People who are generally unwell alongside ear symptoms - People who have had symptoms for more than 4 days, and in whom the symptoms are not improving - Children under the age of 2 with symptoms in both ears - Children who s eardrum have burst (i.e. there is pus in the ear canal) Things that can make you or your child more prone to recurrent ear infections: - Smoking/exposure to smoke - Use of dummies - Feeding whilst laid back (children) - Not having all the recommended vaccinations - Manage pain and fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen. If symptoms recur before next dose is due, you can use the other, however it is generally advised not to use the two together. If you have earache and none of the more concerning features mentioned above, you may be able to manage your symptoms at home. If you wish to discuss your symptoms, it may be sensible to consult a pharmacist or use the 111 service rather than make a doctor s appointment.

3 Cough Average total length of symptoms 3 weeks (may be longer or shorter than this) Common symptoms: - Cough, productive (with phlegm/mucus) or not. - mostly upper respiratory infections (either viral or bacterial) - can also be related to smoking, medication, asthma, mucus dripping from the back of the nose (post-nasal drip) or acid reflux - rarely can be related to more serious causes. Most people will not require antibiotics for a cough as it will likely resolve on its own. Those who may need to see a doctor include: - A cough going on for 3 weeks or more - Any cough where you are coughing up blood or blood-stained phlegm - If you feel generally unwell alongside having a cough - Any difficulty with breathing - Stop smoking - Paracetamol or ibuprofen - Keep well-hydrated - Cough medicines may be helpful, but research suggests no more than simple measures such as a homemade honey and lemon drinks If you have a cough and none of the more concerning features mentioned above, you may be able to manage your symptoms at home. If you wish to discuss your symptoms, it may be sensible to consult a pharmacist or use the 111 service rather than make a doctor s appointment.

4 Cold Average total length of symptoms 10 days (may be longer or shorter than this) Common symptoms: - blocked nose - discharge from nose (runny nose) - sneezing - sore throat - cough It is usual for adults to get around 2-4 colds per year, and children up to 12 colds per year. Viral infection of the upper airway. - Wash your hands as the virus can be transmitted by direct contact (i.e. touching someone else), and cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze; these measures may help prevent passing the cold onto others. - Use paracetamol or ibuprofen - Rest Most people do not require antibiotics or any other treatment for a cold. If you have a cold and no other concerning features, you may be able to manage your symptoms at home. If you wish to discuss your symptoms, it may be sensible to consult a pharmacist or use the 111 service rather than make a doctor s appointment.

5 Sore throat Average total length of symptoms: 1 week Common Symptoms: - pain at the back of the throat - Rarely: headache, high fever, nausea and vomiting. Usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. Occasionally can be caused by acid reflux, hay fever, smoking. Most people WILL NOT require antibiotics as most infections will improve on their own within a week. Those who MAY need antibiotics or other treatment include: - People with other long-term conditions - People who have a problem with their immune system (or are taking medication which may affect their immune system) - People who are generally unwell alongside a sore throat - People who have a fever - People with swollen glands in their neck - People who have any difficulty breathing - Manage pain and fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen. If symptoms recur before next dose is due, you can use the other, however it is generally advised not to use the two together. - Drink plenty of fluids - Avoid hot drinks/anything which may make your sore throat more uncomfortable - If your sore throat is not improving within a week, or is still getting worse after a few days, please make an appointment to see your doctor. If you have a sore throat and none of the more concerning features mentioned above, you may be able to manage your symptoms at home. If you wish to discuss your symptoms, it may be sensible to consult a pharmacist or use the 111 service rather than make a doctor s appointment.

6 Rash There are many different types of rash, most of which are not concerning. However, if you are concerned about a rash please seek medical advice accordingly. Twyford Surgery 6 Loddon Hall Road Twyford RG10 9JA Tel: You can also get advice from the following places: - NHS Choices ( - Calling 111 from any phone - Your local pharmacy Information from