Self Care: Help Yourself Before Seeing A GP

Many common illnesses get better on their own with simple self-care and advice from your local pharmacist. This page will help you choose the right service and know when you do need to contact us urgently.

Included:

  • Self-care advice for common symptoms

  • Pharmacy First: when a pharmacist can treat you

  • When to contact the GP

  • When to use NHS 111 or 999

  • Useful links and downloads

Self-care advice for common symptoms

Most of the following can be managed at home, unless you are severely unwell or symptoms are worsening:

Colds, coughs, sore throats

  • Rest and fluids

  • Paracetamol or ibuprofen (if safe for you)

  • Honey and lemon (adults and children over 1 year)

  • Throat lozenges, saline sprays
    Typical duration: coughs and sore throats can last 1–2 weeks (sometimes longer for cough).

Fever, flu-like illness

  • Fluids, rest, regular paracetamol if needed

  • Keep an eye on hydration (urine pale yellow is a good sign)
    Seek urgent advice if breathless, chest pain, very drowsy, or not keeping fluids down.

Tummy bugs (vomiting/diarrhoea)

  • Small, frequent sips of fluids

  • Oral rehydration salts if needed

  • Avoid anti-diarrhoeals in children
    Typical duration: 2–3 days.

Minor injuries, sprains and strains

  • Rest the injury, ice for short periods, pain relief if needed

  • Avoid heavy activity until improving

Pharmacy First: when your pharmacist can help

Pharmacists can give clinical advice and, for some conditions, treat you without needing a GP appointment.

You can usually speak to a pharmacist for:

  • Sore throat

  • Earache

  • Sinus symptoms

  • Infected insect bites

  • Impetigo

  • Shingles

  • Uncomplicated urine infection in women (where eligible)

You can walk into a pharmacy or contact one directly. Many offer private consultation rooms.

Find a pharmacy:
Find a pharmacy - NHS

When to contact the GP practice

Please contact us if you have:

  • Symptoms that are not improving after expected self-care timeframes

  • Symptoms that are worsening

  • A long-term condition that is flaring (e.g., asthma/COPD, heart failure)

  • Concerns about medication side effects

  • New symptoms that are persistent or unexplained

Contact us via:

When to use NHS 111 or 999

Call NHS 111 if:

  • You feel you need urgent medical advice today but it is not life-threatening

  • You’re unsure which service is right

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have:

  • Chest pain, severe breathlessness

  • Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems)

  • Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face/lips, breathing difficulty)

  • Heavy bleeding, seizures, or sudden collapse

  • Severe mental health crisis or immediate risk of harm

If in doubt, treat it as urgent.

Useful links

Using the right service helps patients get care faster and keeps GP appointments available for those who need them most. Thank you for your support.

Published on 24 February 2026