Colds
& flu
These
are caused by viruses and there is no cure. Antibiotics can only
kill bacteria and are not effective on viruses. Regular doses of
paracetamol or aspirin will relieve the headache, sore throat and
aching muscles as well as bringing down the fever. The illness will
last 5 - 6 days but the cough may persist for several more days.
If you are coughing green or yellow sputum you should see the doctor.
Fever
(Raised temperature)
A
fever is natural with most illnesses and simple measures to lower
the temperature will make you feel much more comfortable. Keep the
room cool. Don't wrap the patient up, even if the person says they
feel cold. Leave the body exposed to allow the excess heat to escape
from the body, especially children. Take plenty of cool drinks.
Sponge down with a tepid flannel - leave the patient damp and repeat
when dry. N.B. If the patient is sesitive to light or complains
of neck stiffness, contact the doctor.
Vomiting
and diarrhoea
Symptoms
should settle in 24 - 36 hours. No milk or solids should be given
for 24 hours. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Dioralyte
or Rehydrat are available from your chemist and are useful for young
children. If symptoms persist or if vomiting is very frequent, consult
your docter.
Back
pain
Usually
begins as a strain caused by poor lifting technique. Painkillers
and rest is usually all that is required. Always bend your knees
and keep your back straight when lifting, sleep on a firm mattress
and maintain good posture when walking. As from 1st April 2009 Good Hope Hospital have a Self Referral Clinic for Back Pain. Please ring 0121 424 9053 for an appointment. Referal forms giving more details are available at our reception desk.
Cystitis
Very
common in women, causing a burning sensation when passing urine.
Drink plenty of fluids and consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
Chest
pain
If
pain is severe, moves to the arms or neck, or feels crushing in
the chest, phone your doctor immediately or dial 999
Blood
Vomiting
of blood needs urgent medical attention. If passing large amounts
of blood from the back passage, phone your doctor
Burns
Immediately
apply large quantities of cold water. Apply a clean, loose dressing
if the skin is blistering but unbroken. If skin is broken or it
is a large burn, contact the practice nurse or accident & emergency
department.
Sunburn
Sunburn
is bad for your skin and children are especially susceptible. Cool
the skin with cool water and apply calamine lotion. Paracetamol
and an antihistamine may reduce the reaction.
Chickenpox
Rash
appears as small red patches with itchy blisters. Calamine lotion
and cool baths will reduce itching. Rash will dry up and crust over
in 4 - 5 days but child is infectious until the last crusts have
dropped off. Incubation period is 10 - 21 days. Avoid contact with
pregnant women. If contact occurs while pregnant, consult your doctor
as soon as possible.
Head
Lice
Spread
by head to head contact and is found in clean hair as often as dirty
hair. A medicated lotion is available from the chemist and all family
members should be treated.
Menopause
advice
Please
make an appointment with any of the practice nurses or the doctors
New
patient screening
All
new patients are invited to attend for a medical check-up with either
the nurse or doctor. This provides the doctor with details of your
medical history and immunisation status whilst waiting for your
records to come from your previous doctor.
Over
75 health checks
All
patients over the age of 75 may have an annual health check.
Please ask at reception for details.
Health
promotion
Any
of the practice nurses will provide advice on smoking cessation,
healthy eating and exercise programmes. Please make an appointment
at reception.
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