As the festive season begins and pharmacy opening hours change, NHS advice has been given to ensure people are stocking up on home remedies.
Other advice includes knowing how to check symptoms should you become unwell, and knowing how to get the right care if you need it. The Healthy Know How campaign is providing advice on how to stay well, enjoy the festivities, and avoid seeking medical attention.
Dr John McAnaw, NHS 24’s Associate Clinical Director, says most seasonal illnesses can be looked after at home with self-care and things like paracetamol.
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He said: “Christmas is a fun but hectic time for most people.
“It’s easy to get swept up in the festive atmosphere and forget that health should be on your priority list. Making sure you have home remedies for common ailments will save you time and help you focus on the celebrations.
“NHS 24’s 111 service is there to help if you need urgent health care support, but we know that roughly 30 per cent of people who call 111 need self-help advice on common illnesses and conditions that can normally be managed at home.
“Avoiding the need to call 111 means the service can help those who need urgent help more quickly, and also save you the bother of trying to find a local pharmacy. I would recommend you have pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen at home, though in the case of fevers, a thermometer is also a good idea as it means you can monitor temperatures accurately.
“To cover accidents, I’d recommend reviewing your first-aid kit and make sure it is stocked with things like plasters, antiseptic, and bandages. For common conditions such as rashes, tummy upsets and earaches, NHS inform has lots of information on how to treat these at home and when to seek medical help.”
More details on the Healthy Know How campaign can be found here.
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