There’s a lot of good health information on the Internet (and some rubbish too sadly) – here are links to some sites we find useful during consultations. For a great starting point for a healthier lifestyle – we’d recommend One You which has lots of information about exercise, smoking, alcohol, physical health and mental health. If you want to be a bit healthier… there’s only one you.
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Diabetes
- Children and Young Adults
- Blood Pressure
- Reproductive and Sexual Health
- Respiratory / Lung
- Gut & Digestion
- Brain & Nervous System
For good UK health information, the main NHS UK site is excellent and has a conditions A-Z and a medicines A-Z which we recommend. NHS Wales 111 has some useful Symptom Checkers and Patient Info contains exactly the same leaflets we use during consultations.
Many of the most common symptoms and conditions seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home. This saves you a trip to the surgery or hospital and by Choosing Well you can help the NHS.
Antibiotics
Each year 25% of the population visit their GP for a respiratory tract infection (eg sinus, throat or chest infection). These are usually caused by viruses.
For patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are neither useful nor necessary for viral infections, may give you side effects and increase antibiotic resistance and “superbugs”.
These infections will normally clear up by looking after yourself at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol.
Ear infections typically last 4 days
89% of cases clear up on their own
A sore throat typically lasts 7 days
40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90% after 7 days without antibiotics
Sinusitis typically lasts 17 days
80% clear up in 14 days without antibiotics
Cough/bronchitis typically lasts 21 days
Antibiotics reduce symptoms by only 1 day
Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria.
Patients with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD are eligible for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Ask at reception for more information.
Medicine cabinet
You can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.
Remember:
- Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
- Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
- Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
- Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy
Other NHS services
As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.
You can ask your local pharmacist about lots of health issues, including when to visit your GP. And there’s no need for an appointment.
