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Self care

Self-care is about keeping fit and healthy, understanding when you can look after yourself, when a pharmacist can help, and when to get advice from your GP or another health professional.

Common conditions and minor ailments such as colds and flu, upset stomachs, and aches and pains are generally not a serious health problem for most patients. You can easily treat yourself at home, or with advice from a local pharmacist, helping you to feel better sooner and avoid unnecessary trips to your GP or A&E department.

The NHS.uk website has a wealth of useful information on self care support and links to information on specific health conditions, from commonly occurring symptoms to long term conditions.

Here are some simple self care steps everyone can follow:

Stock up on self care essentials

A well stocked medicine cabinet can be used treat most minor ailments and should include:

Paracetamol and aspirin, and equivalent syrups (such as Calpol) for children
Mild laxatives to relieve constipation
Re-hydration mixtures for diarrhoea or vomiting
Indigestion remedy
Thermometer to check for fever
Range of bandages, plasters, elastic bandages and dressings
Antiseptic cream
Tweezers and sharp scissors

All the above are available from your local pharmacy or supermarket at low cost – no prescription or GP appointment required. Further information on medicine cabinet essentials can be found on the NHS.uk website.

Download the NHS App

The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. You can use the NHS App to:

get your NHS COVID Pass
get advice about COVID-19
order repeat prescriptions
book appointments
get health advice using the health A-Z on the NHS website
find out what to do when they need help urgently using NHS 111 online
view your health record
register your organ donation decision

It’s free and owned by the NHS so you know your personal data is always secure. You The NHS App is available to download on Google Play and Apple app stores.

Find out more about self-care for common conditions

The Self Care Forum has produced a series of factsheets to help you take care of the most common conditions. These provide useful facts about your condition, what you can expect to happen, how to help yourself, when you should see your GP and where to find out more information.

1. Back Pain

2. Eczema

3. Heartburn and indigestion

4. Fever in children

5. Constipation

6. Headache and migraine

7. Cough

8. Acne

9. Sprains and strains

10. Sore throat

11. Middle ear infection (otitis media)

12. Common cold in adults