Self Treatment of Common Illnesses and Accidents
Many mild diseases and minor accidents can be treated at home and do not
need a trip to the surgery.
There is still no cure for the common cold, and as it is caused by a
virus, antibiotics are only of use
if you have an infection as well. If you develop cold or flu symptoms,
rest, take plenty of fluids and
the recommended dose of paracetamol if you have a headache or feel
feverish.
If you are elderly or have heart or lung disease, you should discuss,
with your doctor or nurse, the
possibility of an annual flu injection and Pneumonia injection which is
only required every ten years.
Diarrhoea and vomiting will usually get better on its own. Treatment
consists of rest, and replacement
of fluids lost. This can be done by using rehydration mixtures (e.g.
Electolade Rehidrat or Dioralyte,
which are available from your pharmacist). Fluids only, followed by a
light diet for 24 hours is usually all
that is needed.
Diarrhoea in babies and small children should be treated with caution.
It is important that they
do not become dehydrated. If in doubt, contact the Surgery.
Apply large amounts of cold water to the affected area to reduce the
pain and prevent further damage.
Apply a loose light dressing and consult your doctor or nurse if the
affected area is large or if the
skin is broken.
Do not apply creams or ointments. For serious burns or
scalds, contact your doctor.
Sit forward with your mouth open and breathe through your mouth. Pinch
your nose for 10 minutes.
Try not to blow your nose. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor.
Wash the wound thoroughly and remove any debris. Stop any bleeding by
applying a clean dressing
firmly to the wound for five minutes.
Do not apply creams or ointments.
Apply a cold compress for 15-30 minutes to help reduce pain and
swelling. A cold compress can
be made from a polythene bag or ice pack of frozen peas wrapped in a wet
cloth.
Try to avoid sunburn by avoiding over-exposure and using a high
protection sun cream. If you do get burnt, apply after-sun cream or calamine lotion.
Antihistamine is available from chemists either as a cream or a spray
and will usually relieve the
symptoms of bites and stings. If the sting is on the tongue or in the
throat, you should consult a
doctor immediately.
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Infectious Diseases Common Amongst
Schoolchildren |
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Measles
Incubation Period:
One to two weeks.
Infectious Period:
Two to three days before rash appears until eight to ten days afterwards.
Features:
Fever, runny eyes and a dry cough, followed by a blotchy red rash which
starts behind the ears, then spreads to the face and the rest of the
body. White Koplik's spots appear inside the mouth (Prevented by
immunisation).
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Mumps
Incubation Period:
Two to three weeks.
Infectious Period:
Two to three days before the swelling appears until seven days
afterwards.
Features:
Fever, pain around the area, swelling on one or both sides of the face
in
front of the ear. (Prevented by immunisation).
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German Measles (Rubella)
Incubation Period:
Two to three weeks.
Infectious Period:
Two days before the rash appears until seven days afterwards.
Features:
Fine pink rash which does not itch, enlarged lymph nodes. Dangerous if
caught during the very early weeks of pregnancy. (Prevented by
immunisation).
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Chickenpox
Incubation Period:
Two to three weeks.
Infectious Period:
Two days before the spots appear until blisters become crusted and dry.
Flat red spots that turn into watery blisters which later crust over.
Features:
Can be very itchy and scarring may occur as a result of scratching. |
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