There are many minor illnesses that can affect anyone over the winter months. For many of these, you do not need to see your GP in the first instance as your local pharmacy team can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines to help relieve symptoms.
If your symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists can tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.
Coughing is common. One in five people will get a cough in winter. Symptoms can last up to three weeks, but in some cases can last up to eight weeks.
Cough medicines from pharmacies can make you feel better as will a mug of hot water with juice from a lemon and a teaspoon of honey (not suitable for babies under 1 year old).
Contact your GP if you have any of the following:
Symptoms of a cold include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and a slight fever. Symptoms usually last up to ten days.
Colds are very common and generally harmless infections that get better in time without the need to see your GP.
It is important you rest, eat healthily and drink lots of fluids. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce some of the symptoms of a cold. Speak to your pharmacist for advice on cough and cold medicines.
Contact your GP if you have any of the following:
Symptoms of a sore throat usually last about a week without any treatment.
To help treat a sore throat you can:
You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat.
Contact your GP if:
You or your child:
Symptoms of nasal congestion and sinusitis can last up to three weeks and can include:
Symptoms of sinusitis in young children may also include:
Most people will get better without treatment. To help ease symptoms, get plenty of rest and drink lots of water.
You can speak to a pharmacist about ways of relieving your symptoms and medicines that can be purchased to help, such as
Contact your GP if:
Flu is a common respiratory virus, spread through the air when you cough or sneeze. It can also spread when you touch surfaces where the virus has landed, then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
For most people flu can cause unpleasant symptoms, but if you are vulnerable flu can cause severe illness. Symptoms of flu include:
The flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to help protect against flu. It will also help reduce the risk of spreading flu to others.
This year, the free flu vaccine is being offered on the NHS to adults who:
More information about who is eligible for the flu vaccine
Information about the children's flu vaccine and who is eligible
Rest, keep warm and drink plenty of water. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with aches and pains to bring down a fever.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
Norovirus is sometimes called the winter vomiting bug, as it is more common in winter. Symptoms can come on very quickly and can include:
Stay at home and rest because Norovirus is very contagious. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and take paracetamol for any aches and pains. You can also speak to your pharmacist for advice about your condition and medication to relieve your symptoms.
Don’t visit a pharmacy – phone them for advice or call 111.
Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. This is when you’re most infectious.
Do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time.
Contact your GP if:
111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Symptoms of Covid-19 are very similar to symptoms of other common illnesses, such as cold and flu. If you think you have Covid-19, visit NHS.UK for advice about symptoms, looking after yourself at home, treatments and vaccination.