🏠 Treating Minor Ailments at Home
Did you know that 10 of the most common minor ailments seen by GPs can often be treated at home? By looking after yourself, you can save a trip to the surgery and help GPs focus on more serious health problems.
Read about effective home treatments for:
🩵 Back pain
🧴 Dermatitis
🤢 Heartburn and indigestion
👃 Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
💩 Constipation
🤕 Migraines
🤧 Coughs
😃 Acne
🦵 Sprains and strains
🤯 Headaches
🌐 Learn more on the NHS website.
💊 Antibiotics – When They Are Needed
Most respiratory infections (sinus, throat, chest) are caused by viruses.
If you are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not needed.
Viral infections usually get better at home with rest, fluids, and paracetamol.
Examples:
👂 Ear infections: last ~4 days; 89% clear up on their own
🤒 Sore throat: lasts ~7 days; 40% better after 3 days, 90% after 7 days without antibiotics
👃 Sinusitis: lasts ~17 days; 80% clear up in 14 days
🤧 Cough/bronchitis: lasts ~21 days; antibiotics only reduce symptoms by 1 day
⚠️ Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections. Overusing them can make them less effective in the future.
💉 Patients with long-term conditions (asthma, diabetes, COPD) are eligible for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations – ask at reception.
🏥 Home Medicine Cabinet
Many minor ailments can be treated at home with a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Suggested items:
💊 Paracetamol and aspirin (not for children under 16 or people with asthma)
💩 Mild laxatives & anti-diarrhoeal medicines
💧 Rehydration mixture
🥄 Indigestion remedies (antacids)
🤢 Travel sickness tablets
☀️ Sunscreen SPF15+ & sunburn treatment (e.g., calamine)
✂️ Tweezers and sharp scissors
🌡️ Thermometer
🩹 Plasters, cotton wool, elastic bandages, dressings
Remember:
Keep medicines locked away and out of reach of children
Always follow instructions and check expiry dates
Take unwanted or expired medicines back to the pharmacy
❤️ Contraception & Sexual Health
Axess Sexual Health is a free service for Liverpool, Knowsley, Cheshire East, Warrington, and Halton. Services include:
STI testing & treatment
Contraception (including long-acting and emergency)
Pregnancy testing
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
Specialist young people’s services
📬 They also offer postal STI testing through a digital partner, SH:24.
🌐 More info: https://www.axess.clinic/
💊 Pharmacy First & Local Pharmacies
Your local pharmacist can now help treat many minor ailments without needing a GP appointment. This includes:
Colds, coughs, sore throats
Earache, hay fever, nasal congestion
Indigestion, heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea
Minor skin conditions such as rashes or eczema
Sprains, strains, and mild pain
💡 Pharmacy First service: Many pharmacies can assess, advise, and supply medications for these conditions quickly and safely.
No appointment is usually needed – just walk in and ask.