Restock your winter medicine cabinet
Don’t forget to restock your medicine cabinet with some over the counter remedies.
Here are some simple ways to help combat common winter illnesses at home. Remember, a pharmacist can recommend the most appropriate treatment for you. Always follow the instructions/advice on the pack. If symptoms persist (or are severe) seek further advice and only restock with what you need to cover the winter period.
If you have a minor illness, a pharmacist can sell non-prescription medicines or provide them free of charge if you are eligible under the NHS Minor Ailment Service.
What to keep in your medicine cabinet
Pain relief: Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most common remedies and can be used safely with antibiotics. Please check the label and/or speak to the pharmacist to check that the medicine is suitable.
Anti-histamines: These help allergies and runny noses.
Anti-diarrhoeals: It is important to keep drinking fluids for the first 24 hours. Oral rehydration sachets are also recommended.
Indigestion remedy: A simple, readily available antacid will neutralise any excess acid and relieve the majority of symptoms.
Mild laxative: Try Senna for constipation.
First Aid Kit: Your local pharmacist can advise you on what your household first aid kit should contain.
NOTE: There are a number of medicines made specifically for children, and your pharmacist can advise which would be the most suitable ones to keep in the house. We would recommend at least having both paracetamol and ibuprofen available in liquid form. Again, please read the label to ensure that the medicine is suitable.
Looking after common winter illnesses
Coughs, colds and flu
This advice is for normally healthy adults or children over six years old.
Cough: A cough mixture may give some relief.
High temperature: Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce a high temperature. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids to replace fluids lost in sweating.
Sore throat, aches and pains: Non-medicated pastilles or boiled sweets may help reduce the pain of a sore throat. Medicated throat lozenges and sprays may also ease symptoms. Paracetamol or ibuprofen are recommended for pain relief and can be taken together if required. Take pain relief at regular intervals. Do not exceed the recommended maximum dose and always follow the instructions on the pack. Keep warm and rest as much as you can.
Blocked nose: Steam inhalations can relieve symptoms, but take care to avoid scalding. Decongestant nasal sprays or anti-histamines can be used short-term to clear sinuses and a blocked nose.
Headache: Many headaches are best treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen. If possible, take the recommended dose as soon as a headache starts. You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen together if required.
Simple relaxation techniques can help ease a headache. Try applying a warm facecloth to your forehead or, neck, doing some gentle exercises or massaging your shoulders and neck to release tension.
NOTE: Consult a GP immediately if a severe headache does not respond to any self-care treatment, or is coupled with other symptoms such as a rash, blurred vision, vomiting, high temperature or an aversion to light.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea: Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-milky liquids to replace lost fluids. Take oral rehydration solution to replace lost salts and fluids. Maintain good personal hygiene to prevent the illness spreading. Don’t prepare food for other people, especially babies and older people until 48 hours after you are free of symptoms and don’t visit friends or relatives in hospital. Eat what you can – especially soups and foods high in carbohydrate such as bread, pasta, rice or potatoes.
For children aged one to six years old
Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce a high temperature and ease aches, pains and sore throats. Give plenty of fluids. A simple cough mixture like glycerol, lemon and honey may be used if required.
For infants under one year of age
Remember a pharmacist can recommend the most appropriate treatment for young infants. Seek further advice if the patient is under one year of age or if symptoms persist or are severe.