These diseases usually get better by themselves, last only a few days and are commonly due to virus infections. Coughs, colds, sore throats, aches and pains, fevers and nausea all usually improve without any need for a consultation with a doctor. In the light of the current pandemic and anxieites about the increased risk for small children, the threshold for asking for advice should be lower than normal. Currently the levels of infection in the practice area are low.

If the symptoms are uncomfortable then simple measures such as bed rest, Paracetamol and/or Aspirin, fluids and simple foods are all that is necessary.

It is best to use only Paracetamol for children under 12 years old

Antibiotics are of no benefit in the treatment of these common virus infections and are only useful if a bacterial infection is diagnosed as a complication.

Bacterial Infections  are relatively uncommon, and are NOT the cause of 'flu or of most sore throats, colds or coughs which should all be treated using the simple common sense measures mentioned above.

 

 

Further advice on common and rare illnesses and conditions is available through the approved site Patient UK which carries a vast amount of accessible and intelligble information.