Common Illnesses & Accidents
Many common aches and pains can be treated at home without the need to consult a Doctor. A useful and informative web-site is: www.patient.co.uk
BACK PAIN
It is advisable to consult your doctor if back pain persists for more than a few days. If the pain has been caused by e.g. lifting too heavy an object, be sensible and take things easy. Sit as upright as possible, with a support for the small of the back. Take aspirin or paracetamol which will also help to ease inflammation. Remember to bend your knees before picking up an object that is low down.
BURNS
Apply large quantities of cold water to the effected area as soon as possible and continue until the pain subsides, which may take as long as 15 minutes. If the skin is unbroken but blistered apply a loose dry dressing. If the area is larger than 10-15cms in diameter, or the skin is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
CHICKEN POX
No specific treatment is required. A rash appears as small red patches and within a few hours small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. Over the next 3-4 days further patches appear and the earlier ones turn 'crusty' and fall off. Calamine Lotion may be applied to soothe the itching and cool baths also help. The most infectious period is from 2-3 days before the rash appears and up to 5 days after this date. Children may return to school as soon as the last 'crusts' have dropped off.
COLD, COUGHS, FLU & SORE THROATS
There is no magic cure for the common cold and flu. Drink plenty of fluids and if a fever and/or a headache are present use painkillers (according to age). You may feel unwell for 4-5 days but may continue with your usual routine. Do not bother to take any antibiotics you may have in the house - they will not work. Do not use aspirin if you think you might have flu - paracetamol is safe.
The only danger is to unborn babies and it is important that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be pregnant can contact their Doctor. Immunisation can prevent this disease.
GERMAN MEASLES (RUBELLA)
A rash usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches, 2-4mm across, and does not itch. No other symptoms are usually present, apart from occasional aching joints. It is infectious from two days before the rash appears, until the rash disappears (about 4-5 days from that date).
The only danger is to unborn babies and it is important that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be pregnant can contact their Doctor. Imminisation can prevent this disease.
MEASLES
A red blotchy rash appears around the 4th day of the illness. It is at its most infectious from 2 - 3 days before the rash appears until 8 - 10 days after that dare.
Immunisation can prevent this disease.
MUMPS
Symptoms are swelling of the gland in front of one ear, often followed after a couple of days, by swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious from 2 - 3 days before the swelling apppears for between 8 - 10 days. If the pain is severe, you should consult your doctor.
Immunisation can prevent this disease.
NOSEBLEEDS
These do not usually require medical attention. Sit the patient down with their head tilted forward and get them to squeeze the soft part of their nose between their finger and thumb for 15 minutes without disturbance. When the bleeding has stopped. release the pressure. Avoid hot drinks and alcohol and blow the nose very gently for the next few days.
SUNBURN
The worst effects can be limited by applying cool water and getting out of the sun. Calamine Lotion can relieve the irritation, whilst paracetamol will also help. Children are particularly susceptible to sunburn and great care should be taken to avoid over-exposure to the sun.
STRAINS AND SPRAINS
Strains and sprains with rest will usually settle down in 4 - 5 days. Painkillers can be taken - asprin is very useful, but paracetamol should be used for children under 12 years. It is helpful to cool the injured part with an ice pack.
VOMITING & DIARRHOEA
This is usually viral. If several members of the same household are affected, it may be due to food poisoning. Give or take frequent drinks of water, avoid food for 24 hours. After this time, introduce solids, such as dry toast or a biscuit. Breast or bottle-fed babies should continue with feeds and can be offered cooled. boiled water. Consult the Doctor if your work is food related.
