| Fever: | Cool by undressing, fanning or sponging down with tepid water. Drink plenty of fluids. Give Paracetamol as directed. It is particularly important not to wrap children up when they have a fever as this will increase their temperature. |
| Sore Throats and Coughs: | These usually need only symptomatic treatment. Most sore throats and coughs are caused by viruses, they will not respond to an anti-biotic, and will start to improve within 3-5 days. Cough medicines do not speed up recovery but the symptoms of a dry cough may be helped by a cough suppressant such as Pholcodine Linctus. (Catarrhal coughs may be helped by a decongestant cough medicine such as Sudafed.) Steam inhalations are also a very effective treatment. There is no need to add anything to the steam, just hot water will do. |
| Earaches: | Symptoms are usually helped by Paracetamol. We are always happy to see patients with earache at the next surgery and assess whether antibiotics are necessary. If your child complains of earache during the day, please do not leave it until the middle of the night before seeking advice! |
| Diarrhoea: | Adults: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and loss of essential salts. Eat no food for 24 hours after the last bout and drink no milk for 3-4 days. Infant: If bottle fed use Dioralyte solution (or equivalent) instead of milk feeds. Continue this until the diarrhoea has stopped for at least 12 hours. Breast fed babies should keep feeding and Dioralyte may also be used. If you are at all worried about your child, do not hesitate to seek advice. |
| Nose Bleeds: | Sit forward and breathe through your mouth. Pinch at nostrils for 10 minutes, and if the bleeding does not stop within 30 minutes consult your doctor or visit the local Hospital Minor Injury or Accident and Emergency Unit. |
| Cuts: | Stop the bleeding by direct compressions and cover as appropriate. If you think it needs stitching, consult your doctor or visit the local Hospital Minor Injury or Accident and Emergency Unit. |
| Burns and Scalds: | Immediately cool the affected area in cold water for several minutes. A minor scald can be left uncovered but where the skin is broken or blistered, seek advice from the Doctor or Practice Nurse or visit the local Hospital Minor Injury or Accident and Emergency Unit. |
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