Self Help Advice and Tools

In line with both national and local NHS guidance, Abbey House Medical Practice does not routinely prescribe medication for conditions considered as self-limiting or minor, where treatment is readily available over the counter from the pharmacy or other retail outlets. Many short-term conditions can be managed at home or with advice from your pharmacy. Alternatively, you can find more information below on some common conditions, or visit NHS Health A to Z.

ACNE

  • Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point.
  • It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that is hot or painful to touch.
  • Acne is most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19, and most commonly develops on the face, back and chest
  • These self-help techniques may be useful:
  • Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.
  • Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.
  • Do not try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.
  • Avoid make-up, skincare and sun care products that are oil-based (sometimes labelled “comedogenic”). Use water-based non-comedogenic products, as they’re less likely to block the pores in your skin.
  • Completely remove make-up before going to bed.
  • If dry skin is a problem, use a fragrance-free water-based emollient.
  • Regular exercise cannot improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate your acne.
  • Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face.
  • Although acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatment.
  • If you develop mild acne, it's a good idea to speak to a pharmacist for advice. Several creams, lotions and gels for treating spots are available to buy from pharmacies.

AIR POLLUTION

  • Air pollution impacts us all. It can move from your lungs into your bloodstream and reach many organs in the body.
  • If you suffer from long term lung disease including asthma or COPD, heart and circulatory disease, diabetes, dementia or are pregnant, you may be more vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution.
  • Find health expert approved guidance with simple steps that you can take to tackle air pollution and protect your health at cleanairhub.org.uk.

ATHLETES FOOT

  • One of the main symptoms of Athlete's foot is itchy white patches between your toes.
  • Athlete's foot is unlikely to get better on its own, but you can buy anti-fungal medicines for it from a pharmacy. They usually take a few weeks to work.
  • It is important to keep your feet clean and dry. Other things which can help include; using a separate towel for your feet and wash it regularly, taking your shoes off when at home, wearing clean socks every day – cotton socks are best.
  • Avoid scratching the affected skin to prevent it from spreading.

BACK PAIN

  • Back pain causes 13 million working days to be lost in Britain each year.
  • Symptoms usually respond to 24 hours rest lying on a firm bed followed by gentle exercise and return to normal activities.
  • Paracetamol or Ibuprofen will help to relieve pain and local heat from a hot water bottle may also help.
  • Avoid straining your back while exercising and take great care with lifting even when the pain has subsided.
  • When sitting, an upright chair with support for the small of the back lessens strain on the spine.

BLISTERS

  • Blisters often heal on their own within a week. They can be painful while they heal, but you will not usually need to see a GP.
  • Keep the blister as clean as possible – gently wash the skin and pat it dry.
  • Cover blisters with a soft plaster or padded dressing.
  • Wash your hands before touching a burst blister.
  • Allow the fluid in a burst blister to drain before covering it with a plaster or dressing.

BLOOD TAKING

  • You can have your bloods done at Northampton General by:
  • Booking online swiftqueue.co.uk/northampton.php.
  • Or calling 01604 544190 or 01604 523303 Monday to Friday between 9am and 12:00pm.

BPAS

  • If you discover you have a pregnancy which you feel unable to continue with, BPAs can support you in making the right decision for you.
  • The British Pregnancy Advisory Service telephone number is 03457 304030 or you can visit bpas.org.
  • Phone lines are open Monday-Friday 7am-6pm, Saturdays 8am-4pm, Sundays 9.30am-2.30pm.

BURNS

  • Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and continue until the pain subsides: but running cold water is the most effective. 
  • This may take some time. If the skin is unbroken but blisters, apply a loose dry dressing.
  • If the burn is larger than 10cm (4 inches) in diameter or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
  • Do not use creams such as Germoline or Savlon.

CHICKEN POX

  • On the first day a rash appears with small red spots.
  • Within a few hours these develop small blisters at the centre.
  • Over the next 3- or 4-days further spots will appear and the earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off.
  • Calamine lotion will soothe the itching and cool baths may help.
  • The most infectious period is 2 or 3 days before the rash appears and until the last crusts have formed dry centres, usually 7-10 days after the onset of the rash.
  • Children may return to school as soon as the last crusts have dropped off.
  • The incubation period of chicken pox is 14-21 days.

CHILD IMMUNISATIONS

CHILDREN

  • There are lots of resources on the Healthier Together website which have been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals from across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
  • You'll find lots of information on common illnesses, including advice on what serious 'red-flag' signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep comfortable and how long symptoms are likely to last.

COLD SORES

  • Cold sores are common and usually clear up on their own within 10 days. But there are things you can do to help ease the pain.
  • A cold sore usually starts with a tingling, itching or burning feeling.
  • A pharmacist can recommend; creams to ease pain and irritation, antiviral creams to speed up healing time, cold sore patches to protect the skin while it heals.
  • It may also help to eat cool, soft foods, keep hydrated, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the pain and swelling, and wash your hands before an after applying creams.
  • Important Kissing a baby if you have a cold sore can lead to neonatal herpes, which is very dangerous to new-born babies.

COUGH, COLDS AND FLU

  • These usually start with a runny nose, cough, temperature and muscular aches.
  • They are usually caused by viruses for which antibiotics will have no effect.
  • Paracetamol helps the temperature and aches whilst decongestants and throat lozenges may also help to relieve symptoms. 
  • It is important to drink plenty of fluid, but do not worry if you do not eat for a few days - you will come to no harm.
  • However no more than eight paracetamols should be taken within any 24 hours.

CONJUNCTIVITIS

  • Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment.
  • It can make the eyes; red, burn or feel gritty, produce pus that sticks to lashes, Itch, watery.
  • There are things you can do to help ease your symptoms.
  • Boil water and let it cool down before you gently wipe your eyelashes to clean off crusts with a clean cotton wool pad (1 piece for each eye).
  • Hold a cold flannel on your eyes for a few minutes to cool them down
  • Do not wear contact lenses until your eyes are better.
  • For children aged 3months-2years, you can visit a Tier 1 pharmacy who can assess and prescribe drops/ointment.
  • For anyone over 2 years, treatment can be purchased over the counter from the pharmacy.

CONSTIPATION 

  • Constipation is where you have changes to how you poo, including not pooing as often or finding it hard to poo. It's common and it affects people of all ages. You can usually treat it with simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.
  • It's likely to be constipation if; you have not had a poo at least 3 times during the last week or you're pooing less often than usual, the poo is unusually large or small and is dry, hard or lumpy, you are straining or in pain when you have a poo, you feel like you haven't fully emptied your bowels.
  • Things which can help include; eating a healthy balanced diet and include fruits that contain sorbitol such as apples, apricots, grapes (and raisins), raspberries and strawberries. Drink plenty of water and other fluids and avoid alcohol. Gradually increase the fibre in your diet, add some wheat bran, oats or linseed to your diet, as well as increasing your physical activity levels.
  • To make it easier to poo, try resting your feet on a low stool while going to the toilet. If possible, raise your knees above your hips.
  • Speak to a pharmacist if diet and lifestyle changes are not helping. They can suggest a suitable laxative. These are medicines that help you poo more regularly. Most laxatives work within 3 days. They should only be used for a short time.

DENTAL EMERGENCIES

  • If you need dental treatment in an emergency: Call a dentist: some surgeries offer urgent appointments at short notice. If you do not have a dentist, find one by calling NHS 111.
  • If you need to see a dentist out of hours: Call a dentist: their voicemail may advise where to get out-of-hours treatment or call NHS 111 to find an out-of-hours dental service near you.

DIARRHOEA AND VOMITING

  • In adults and older children, diarrhoea and vomiting are usually caused by a virus.
  • Treatment consists of replacing fluid lost with small amounts of water, or fizzy lemonade taken frequently and not eating for 24 hours.
  • If the diarrhoea contains blood, if there is severe pain or high fever you should consult your doctor.
  • Diarrhoea and vomiting in small babies and young children should be treated with caution and your doctor will be happy to advise you over the phone and arrange to see you if necessary.
  • Elderly people and those with medical conditions (e.g., diabetes) should consult a doctor.
  • Women taking the oral contraceptive pill may need to take extra precautions.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICES

  • Substance to Solution provide free and confidential support for adults experiencing difficulties with drugs and alcohol.
  • You can contact them by calling 0808 169 8512
  • Visit https://www.changegrowlive.org/substance-to-solution-northamptonshire/northampton

DRY SKIN

  • Dry skin is a common condition which can be treated with moisturising creams or ointments which you can buy.
  • Apply moisturisers (creams, lotions & ointments) liberally 3 to 4 times a day.
  • Moisturisers are best applied after washing your hands, taking a bath, or showering because this is when the skin most needs moisture.
  • Do not rub the moisturiser in – smooth it into the skin in the same direction body hair grows.
  • Limit bath time, use warm water and avoid harsh, drying soaps.

EAR WAX

  • Symptoms of earwax build-up include: hearing loss, earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked, ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus), vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)
  • Earwax usually falls out on its own. If it does not and blocks your ear, put 2 to 3 drops of medical grade olive or almond oil in your ear 3 to 4 times a day. Do this for 3 to 5 days.
  • It is recommended you use a dropper while lying your head on one side for a few minutes to let the oil work its way through your ear canal(s).
  • You may find it easier to do this first thing in the morning and then just before you go to sleep.
  • Over about 2 weeks, lumps of earwax should fall out of your ear, especially at night when you're lying down.
  • Speak to a pharmacist about earwax build-up. They can give advice and suggest treatments.

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

  • Some local pharmacies are able to issue FREE Emergency Contraception for patients aged 16-55yrs old.
  • Visit https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/sexual-health for the most up to date information on where you can get FREE Emergency Contraception for less than 5 days after Unprotected Sex.

EYE CASUALTY

  • Before attending Eye Casualty, ring 01604 545085 or 01604 634700 ext 801
  • Eye Casualty Services are available; Monday-Saturday 8.30am-4.30pm, Sundays & Bank Holiday – 9am-12.30pm.
  • Outside of these times, for urgent help, attend the Accident & Emergency Department

FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION

  • Fungal nail infections usually affect your toenails, but you can get them on your fingernails, too.
  • Speak to a pharmacist if the look of your nail bothers you or it's painful. They may suggest different treatment options.
  • Antifungal nail cream – it can take up to 12 months to cure the infection and does not always work
  • Nail-softening cream – it's used for 2 weeks to soften the nail so the infected part can be scraped off
  • To prevent and reduce the spread of infection, keep your feet clean and dry, wear clean socks every date, do not share towels or nail clippers/scissors.

GAMBLING SUPPORT

  • If you advice or support regarding gambling addiction or gambling problems
  • Visit  www.eastmidlandsgambling.nhs.uk
  • Or call  0330 013 2330
  • Or e-mail dhcft.emgamblingharms@nhs.net

GUM CLINIC

  • Please visit https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/sexual-health or call 0300 027 0110 for more information about sexual health services and contraception advice from the GUM (Genitourinary medicine) clinic.

HAY FEVER

  • Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September as this is when the pollen count hits high levels.
  • Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing and coughing, itchy, red or watery eyes, headache, earache and feeling tired.
  • You can't prevent hay fever but there are things you can do to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.
  • Try putting Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen and wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
  • Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to remove pollen from your skin
  • Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
  • Buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
  • Speak to your pharmacist who can give advice and suggest the best treatments such as antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays.
  • You can get more tips on managing hay fever from Allergy UK.

HAEMORRHOIDS / PILES

  • Piles (haemorrhoids) are lumps inside and around your bottom (anus). They often get better on their own after a few days. There are things you can do to treat and prevent piles.
  • Symptoms of piles include: bright red blood after you poo, an itchy anus, feeling like you still need to poo after going to the toilet, mucus in your underwear or on toilet paper after wiping your bottom, lumps around your anus, pain around your anus.
  • To treat and prevent piles, drink lots of fluid and eat plenty of fibre to keep your poo soft, use damp toilet paper to wipe your bottom, exercise regularly, reduce alcohol and caffeine, take a warm bath.
  • Ask a pharmacist about treatments, such as creams and ointments to ease the pain/itching/swelling, as well as treatment for constipation/softening poo if needed.

HAND FOOT AND MOUTH

  • Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness that can also affect adults. It usually gets better on its own in 7 to 10 days.
  • The 1st signs of hand, foot and mouth disease can be, a sore throat, a high temperature, not wanting to eat. The 2nd stage usually starts a few days later and can include, mouth ulcers, which can be painful and a raised rash of spots on the hands and feet, and sometimes the thighs and bottom.
  • To help the symptoms, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, adna avoid acidic fruit juice drinks, eating soft foods and avoiding spicy food.
  • You may want to take paraceamol/ibuprofen to help with the pain or use mouth ulcers gels/sprays which the pharmacy can advise you about.

HEADLICE

  • They are very common in young children and their families, and can make the head feel itchy or like something is moving in the hair.
  • Having headlice is NOT a sign of having dirty hair.
  • Daily wet combing with a fine-tooth comb after application of conditioner can be effective.
  • IF this has not worked there are medicated lotions and sprays which can be purchased, your local pharmacy will be able to give you more advice on the best type of treatment,
  • Some treatments need to be repeated after a week to kill any newly hatched lice.

HEARTBURN / INDIGESTION / WIND

  • Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). 
  • The main symptoms of acid reflux are: heartburn – a burning sensation in the middle of your chest, an unpleasant sour taste in your mouth, caused by stomach acid. You may also have, a cough or hiccups that keep coming back, a hoarse voice, bad breath, bloating and feeling sick, Symptoms are often worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over.
  • You can help heartburn symptoms by eating smaller meals more frequently and trying to lose weight if you are overweight.
  • You may also want to speak to a Pharmacist for advice; they may recommended liquids or tablets called antacids, which can help to reduce your symptoms.

IMPETIGO AND INFECTED ECZEMA

  • Signs of a bacterial infection can include fluid oozing from the skin, a yellow crust on the skin surface, small yellowish-white spots appearing in the eczema, the skin becoming swollen and sore, feeling hot and shivery and generally unwell.
  • For patients over 1yrs old, you can visit a Tier 1 pharmacy who can assess and prescribe treatment if appropriate.

INSECT BITES AND STINGS

  • Most need no treatment.
  • Antihistamine tablets and/or cream can be obtained from the chemist without prescriptions and will relieve most symptoms.
  • For infected bites, patients >1yrs old, you can visit a Tier 1 pharmacy who can assess and prescribe treatment if appropriate.

MATERNITY SERVICES

  • For new pregnancies, please call the Community Midwifery Service on 01604 545430 Mon-Fri 8.30am-4pm, or alternatively, you can complete a self-referral form to advise them of your pregnancy.
  • If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant and have concerns, you can contact the Early Pregnancy Service. The service currently runs between Sunday and Friday. You can contact and book an appointment by dialling 01604 544614. Out of hours advice can be obtained by calling our gynaecology emergency assessment unit nurse on 07523 931274. 
  • In an emergency - If you, your baby or someone else is seriously ill or in immediate danger, call for an ambulance by dialling 999. If you need to speak to a midwife urgently, you can dial our triage maternity helpline on 01604 523529.
  • Common symptoms in pregnancy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
  • Pregnancy complications - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
  • Existing health conditions - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
  • Maternity (northamptongeneral.nhs.uk)

MENINGITIS

  • This is an infection of the covering of the brain and the most serious from is caused by the meningococcus bacteria and requires urgent medical attention.
  • Warning signs include a "blood spot" rash that does not blanch under pressure, and neck stiffness.
  • In infants there may be drowsiness, change in the cry, irritability, fever, diarrhoea, or vomiting.
  • In adults, as well as neck stiffness and rash there may be high temperature, vomiting, headache and back or joint pains
  • For further information please see the Meningitis Now website.
  • Blanch = press the side of a clear drinking glass onto the rash or bruises and checking that they fade.

MENTAL HEALTH

NHS 111 is offering mental health support to people of all ages, including children, who are in crisis or concerned family and loved ones can now call 111, select the mental health option 2 and speak to a trained mental health professional.

Young People

  • If you are aged between 13-25 years old and struggling with your mental health, there is a service called Time2Talk who offer appointment only counselling. The number is 01327 706706. 
  • For many years’ Service Six has worked with young self-harmers. They have an award-winning programme called OPAL, which is designed to offer help and support to young people who display self-harming behaviour and their friends and families.

Adults

  • Mental Health Hub Northamptonshire - 0800 448 0828 - lines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Every month IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) help over 1,000 people in Northamptonshire who are struggling with their mental health. This service is available to anyone aged over 17 and a half and is registered with a GP in Northamptonshire. Call 0300 999 1616 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday) to self-refer to the service or you can find more information here
  • The Feeling Good app has an evidence-based audio programme titled "Feeling Good for Life". This programme can help relax & calm your mind and body, lift your mood, help you feel more positive, let go of worries, sleep better and deal with stresses more easily.
    • It can also help with physical symptoms of stress such as headaches, IBS, fatigue and chronic pain.
    • Download the free app from the Apple App or Google Play store to try out the free content and if you find this helpful, contact the surgery on info.ahmp@nhs.net for the details to unlock further content.
    • The Feeling Good app is accredited by NHS digital - a mark of its effectiveness, safety and good function.
  • You can also visit mind.org.uk for advice and support which is a charity supporting people who struggle with mental health. 

Veterans

  • If you’re a veteran of the armed forces, your time in service can impact on your long-term wellbeing. The NHS offers support to veterans of the armed forces.https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/

MINOR INJURIES

  • If you need advice regarding a minor injury, call NHS111 or use the online service if over 5years old, which will help to direct you to the most appropriate healthcare service depending on the injury.
  • Visit https://111.nhs.uk/
  • Call 111

NAUSEA / VOMITING

  • Things which may help you stop feeling sick; get plenty of fresh air, distract yourself – for example, listen to music or watch a film, take regular sips of a cold drink, drink ginger or peppermint tea, eat foods containing ginger – such as ginger biscuits, eat smaller, more frequent meals.
  • If you are vomiting, stay at home and get plenty of rest.
  • Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick. eat when you feel able to – you do not need to eat or avoid any specific foods.
  • Take paracetamol if you're in discomfort. 
  • Speak to a pharmacist who may recommend oral rehydration sachets you mix with water to make a drink.

NOSE BLEEDS

  • Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the bone for 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped.
  • If the bleeding continues or you are taking blood-thinning tablets (anticoagulants): consult your doctor.
  • Avoid blowing your nose for 48 hours and hot food and drink for 24 hours.

ORAL THRUSH

  • Oral thrush is usually harmless. It's common in babies and older people with dentures. It can be easily treated with medicines bought from a pharmacy.
  • The gel is suitable for adults, children and babies over the age of 4 months.
  • Ask your pharmacist for advice. Always follow the instructions on the medicine packet.

SMOKING CESSATION

  • Did you know that you are 4 times more likely to give up smoking with professional support, as opposed to going it alone?
  • West Northants Council offer 12 weeks of telephone or face-to-face support, with e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy sent straight to your door. They can also offer face to face appointments in Northampton.
  • You can self refer by completing an online form or by calling 0300 126 5700 (option 1).

SORE THROAT

  • Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better by themselves within a week.
  • To help soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts, you can: gargle with warm, salty water (children should not try this), drink plenty of water, eat cool or soft foods, avoid smoking or smoky places, rest.
  • You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as: paracetamol or ibuprofen, medicated lozenges or sprays containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine

SPRAINS AND STRAINS

  • For the first couple of days, follow the 4 steps known as RICE therapy to help bring down swelling and support the injury:
  • Rest – stop any exercise or activities and try not to put any weight on the injury.
  • Ice – apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) to the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it.
  • Elevate – keep it raised on a pillow as much as possible.
  • To help prevent swelling, try to avoid heat (such as hot baths and heat packs), alcohol and massages for the first couple of days.
  • When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the joint or muscle does not become stiff.
  • Speak to a pharmacist about the best treatment for you. They might suggest tablets, or a cream or gel you rub on the skin.
  • At first, try painkillers like paracetamol to ease the pain and ibuprofen gel, mousse or spray to bring down swelling.
  • If needed, you can take ibuprofen tablets, capsules or syrup that you swallow.
  • If you need more advice regarding a minor injury, call NHS111 or use the online service if over 5years old, which will help to direct you to the most appropriate healthcare service depending on the injury.
  • Visit https://111.nhs.uk/
  • Call 111

SUNBURN

  • Try to prevent this by avoiding exposure to the sun in the heat of the day and using sunscreens.
  • Treat sunburn by cooling the skin with cool water or calamine lotion and take Paracetamol or antihistamine tablets as necessary.
  • Do not expose sun burnt skin to direct sunlight again until fully healed.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

TEMPERATURE

  • A raised temperature occurs commonly even with mild infections.
  • In small children it is important to stop the temperature rising too quickly and they should be given Paracetamol syrup which may be bought from the chemist.
  • If they are still feverish, they should be gently sponged with tepid water as in a bath or shower to cool them (this may take up to 20 minutes)
  • If a temperature is very high and does not come down with this treatment or the child appears very unwell you should consult your doctor.
  • A child or adult with a temperature will not come to any harm being brought by car or by pram to the surgery.

THREADWORMS

  • Threadworms (pinworms) are tiny worms in your poo. They're common in children and spread easily. They look like pieces of white thread.
  • You might also see them around your child's bottom (anus). The worms usually come out at night while your child is sleeping.
  • You can buy medicine (mebendazole) for threadworms from pharmacies. This is usually a chewable tablet or liquid you swallow.
  • Treat everyone in your household, even if they do not have symptoms.
  • Tell the pharmacist if you need to treat a child under 2, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Treatment might not be suitable and you may need to speak to a GP.
  • Wash hands and scrub under fingernails – particularly before eating, after using the toilet or changing nappies, and encourage children to wash hands regularly.
  • Bathe or shower every morning
  • Rinse toothbrushes before using them
  • Keep fingernails short
  • Wash sleepwear, sheets, towels and soft toys (at a hot temperature), disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces, vacuum and dust with a damp cloth
  • Make sure children wear underwear at night – change it in the morning

TRAVEL VACCINATIONS AND MALARIA PROPHYLAXIS

  • The following vaccinations can be provided for free under the NHS: Tetanus/Diptheria/Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever
  • For all other travel vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis, you will need to arrange these through a private travel clinic.
  • For more information on travel vaccinations visit
  • https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/
  • https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/

URINE INFECTIONS

  • Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include: pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria), needing to pee more often than usual, needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia), needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual, pee that looks cloudy, blood in your pee, lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs, a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery or a very low temperature below 36C.
  • Your pee may also be dark or smell. If this is your only symptom, it might be because you've not been drinking enough water.
  • For women who are not pregnant, age 16-64, with no underlying health conditions, you can visit a Tier 1 pharmacy who can assess and prescribe antibiotics if appropriate.
  • You may also want to consider taking paracetamol to reduce pain and fever, getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding having sex.

VAGINAL THRUSH

  • Symptoms of thrush in women include; white vaginal discharge (often like cottage cheese), which does not usually smell, itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina, soreness and stinging during sex or when you pee.
  • You can visit the pharmacy to get treatment, in either a capsule, cream or pessary.
  • Thrush usually clears up within 7-14days of treatment.
  • To ease thrush symptoms/stop it coming back you should avoid using fragranced soaps/shower gels when washing, ensure you dry the area properly after washing, wear cotton underwear, avoid sex until the thrush has cleared up if you are in discomfort.

VERRUCA'S & WARTS

  • Warts and verrucas are small lumps on the skin that most people have at some point in their life. They usually go away on their own but may take months or even years.
  • Visit the pharmacy to discuss treatment options such as creams, plasters an sprays.
  • These treatments can take 3months to complete and do not always work.
  • To reduce the spread of verrucas and warts, washing your hands after touching the area, change socks daily, cover when swimming, try to avoid cutting a wart when shaving.

X-RAY BOOKING

  • The telephone number for the X-ray department at Northampton General Hospital is 01604 544397.
  • Please ring to book your X-ray appointment once a referral has been made and request Danetre Hospital.

 

Click any of the images or titles below to visit the relevant website

NHS choices   NHS Health A-Z
 

Advice and Guidance on 100+ most common conditions. This site clearly explains symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, complications and preventative methods.

Information on how the health and social care system works. Sign posting you to the most appropriate service/s. 


NHS Choices apps   NHS Tools, Apps and Podcasts
 

A wide range of NHS approved healthcare apps to help you monitor your conditions or achieve your goals. for example fitness, smoking, alcohol, weight loss, pregnancy, depression, blood pressure, sexual health, etc.


Patient.co.uk   Patient
 

Advice and Guidance on 100+ most common conditions. This site clearly explains symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, complications and preventative methods.

  • Symptom checker
  • Wellbeing = health, fitness, nutrition, parenting 
  • Medications

Self help connect uk   Self help connect uk
 

National self help forum support groups

 

 


 

Guidance for the management of common conditions which primary health care providers encounter when they care for children and adolescents (PDF download)