Minor Injury & Illness

You can often treat a cold without seeing your GP. You should begin to feel better in about a week or two.

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 cough will usually clear up on its own within 3 to 4 weeks.

Serious animal and human bites can get infected if they're not checked and treated quickly.

Burns and scalds are damage to the skin usually caused by heat. Both are treated in the same way.

Most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home.

Norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug", is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days.

Most head injuries are not serious. You do not usually need to go to hospital and should make a full recovery within 2 weeks.

Back pain is very common and normally improves within a few weeks or months.

Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.

Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments. Most can be treated at home without seeing a GP.

Most headaches will go away on their own and are not a sign of something more serious.

Pharmacists can help you with many common conditions.

Find out more about your local pharmacist can help you with

Do you have a minor injury?

Use your local minor injuries unit if you need medical treatment or advice which does not need a visit to A&E or a medical appointment.

Do you require other information about family health?

Find out more and search for your required information.