<p> ELDENE SURGERY - SELF TREATMENT OF COMMON ILLNESSES & ACCIDENTS</p><p>Many illnesses get better on their own and can be treated successfully at home. Your Pharmacist may be able to help you with these and advise about medicines you can buy over the counter.</p><p>Any Pharmacist is also able to offer advice on management of minor conditions and over-the-counter medicines.</p><p>Colds and Flu</p><p>These usually start with a runny nose, cough, temperature and aches. They are caused by viruses and antibiotics are of no use in their treatment. Treatment consists of taking recommended doses of Paracetamol for the temperature and aches and drinking plenty of fluids. Don’t worry if you do not eat for a few days, you will come to no harm. A cough normally lasts for about 3 weeks and is only a concern if it lasts longer or is accompanied by breathlessness, fever, chest pain or sputum containing blood.</p><p>Temperature</p><p>A temperature occurs commonly even with mild infections. In small children it is important to stop the temperature rising too quickly and children should be partially undressed and given Paracetamol syrup, which may be bought from the chemist. If a temperature is very high and does not come down with the above treatment or if the child appears very unwell with the temperature you should consult your doctor. A child or adult will not come to any harm by being wrapped up and being brought by car to the Surgery.</p><p>Earache/Sore Throat</p><p>These can often be treated simply by Paracetamol, antibiotics are not always necessary. If you feel it serious enough to seek medical help then Calpol will usually keep the pain controlled until the Surgery opens.</p><p>CHILDHOOD INFECTIONS</p><p>Rashes</p><p>Many throat and cold viruses can cause a slight rash. Most of these get better in 2 or 3 days. Because of the MMR injection, Mumps, Measles and German Measles are quite rare nowadays.</p><p>Chickenpox</p><p>On the first day a rash appears with small red spots about 3 or 4mm wide. Within a few hours these develop small blisters at the centre. During the next 3 or 4 days further spots will appear and the old ones will turn crusty and fall off. Calamine lotion may be applied to help the itching. The most infectious period is about 2 or 3 days before the rash appears and until the last crusts have formed dry centres, usually 7 to 10 days after the rash started. Children may return to school as soon as the last crusts have dropped off.</p><p>Diarrhoea and Vomiting</p><p>In adults and older children, diarrhoea and vomiting will usually get better on its own. Treatment consists of replacing the fluids you have lost and resting the digestive system by having nothing to eat for 24 to 48 hours. Sachets of powders such as Dioralyte and Rehidrat, which can be made into a drink, are available from the chemist. If the diarrhoea contains blood or there is severe pain or high fever, this should be discussed with your Doctor over the telephone. Diarrhoea and vomiting in small children and babies should be treated with caution and the Doctor will be happy to advise you about this over the telephone and arrange an appointment if necessary.</p><p>Please ask our receptionist for our special leaflet on preventing dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting in children. More information can also be obtained from www.patientinfo.co.uk/health/gastroenteritis-in-children.htm</p><p>Problems Following Vaccines</p><p>It is quite common to have swelling, pain and redness at the injection site. This can look alarming at times but will always settle. If your child is irritable or develops a temperature then give Calpol. Following the MMR injection they may get a mild rash and temperature after about 10 days.</p><p>Head Lice</p><p>These creatures prefer clean hair and are not a sign of poor hygiene. The use of medicated shampoo is now discouraged – the recommendation being to use thorough combing – please speak to the health visitors or pharmacist. ELDENE SURGERY - SELF TREATMENT OF COMMON ILLNESSES & ACCIDENTS Stomach Aches</p><p>Most attacks are not serious and are usually caused by indigestion or wind. Treatment requires Rennies or Settlers, Paracetamol (NOT ASPIRINS OR IBUPROFEN) and a hot water bottle will often help. If the pain persists and is getting worse then seek medical advice.</p><p>Inspect Bites and Stings</p><p>Most of these need no treatment. Anti-histamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist and will relieve most symptoms.</p><p>Nose Bleeds</p><p>Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the bone for about 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding usually stops. If it doesn’t, consult your Doctor. Put an ice pack or frozen peas in a bag on the neck and forehead to cool down.</p><p>Backache</p><p>Most cases of backache are muscular or ligament sprains and will get better with adequate pain relief in the form of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol, which are available from the chemist and can be taken together. It is also important to keep moving as much as possible to prevent stiffness and weakness setting in. you will not damage your back doing this. An osteopath or chiropractor can also be helpful in treating back and neck pains.</p><p>Sprains</p><p>First apply a cold compress containing ice for about 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling. Apply a firm crepe bandage and give a sprain plenty of rest until all the discomfort has subsided.</p><p>Burns</p><p>Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain this until the pain subsides. This may take as long as 15 minutes! If the skin is unbroken but blistered then apply a loose, dry dressing. If the burn is larger than 4 to 5 inches in diameter or if the skin is broken then consult your Doctor or go to Casualty.</p><p>Minor Cuts and Grazes</p><p>Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about 5 minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressing.</p><p>Useful Telephone Numbers</p><p>Hospitals</p><p>Great Western Hospital (GWH): 01793 604020 Sandalwood Court: 01793 836800 Ridgeway Hospital: 01793 814848 Prospect Hospice: 01793 813355 NHS Telephone Service: 111</p><p>General</p><p>British Pregnancy Advisory Service: 08457 304030 Relate (Marriage Guidance): 01793 527664 Blood Transfusion Service, Oxford:01865 741188 Samaritans: 01793 573737 Citizen Advice Bureau: 01793 528303 Social Services: 01793 463000 Dial A Ride: 01793 616050 Drug & Alcohol Service: 01793 617177 Red Cross: 01793 644461</p><p>Other Sources of Medical Help or Advice (no appointment necessary)</p><p>Walk In Centre GP Out of Hours Service (Urgent Care Centre) Carfax Street, Swindon Great Western Hospital Weekdays 07:00 to 20:00 Available every day – 24 hours Weekends 08:00 to 20:00 Telephone: 01793 646466</p><p>NHS Telephone Service Drug & Alcohol Telephone: 111 For drug & alcohol dependency problems, SWADS at 13 Milton Road, Swindon, SN1 5JE operate a drop-in clinic from 10:00am Monday to Friday. No doctor’s referral is required. ELDENE SURGERY - SELF TREATMENT OF COMMON ILLNESSES & ACCIDENTS P Drive/From O Drive/Admin & Reception Forms/Patient Self Treatment Flyer</p>