Self Help for Minor Illnesses

It is worth keeping a few simple medicines at home so you have them when you need them.

Keep all medicines out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard. Always read the label. Dispose of unwanted or out of date medicines by taking them to your pharmacist.

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are very useful for mild to moderate pain, such as sore throats, headaches and for fevers. They are available as a syrup, such as Calpol, Disprol or Ibuprofen, for the relief of pain and fever in young children.

Antihistamine tablets or medicine can be used for insect bites and allergies.

Your local pharmacists can give you advice about medicines that may be useful for particular problems.

It is also useful to keep some simple dressings, a strip of elastoplast and some cotton wool.