YOKER MEDICAL CENTRE
Text Box: Help myself How to help yourself Thankfully, most illnesses we get are not very serious, although they can make us feel quite unwell sometimes. Often there is a lot you can do to help your body recover, without having to see the doctor or nurse. On this page is advice on how to deal with some common minor illnesses, but if these simple remedies are not working within a few days, or you are feeling very unwell, please contact us for help Wax in ears See video press here. If you still have problems after following the instructions in this video, you can self refer for ear-microsuction (this has replaced ear-irrigation commonly called ear-syringing) by calling 0141 211 6070 option 1 Colds, sore throat and flu Most of these are caused by a virus, for which there is no cure. You can help your body to fight the infection by taking Aspirin or Paracetamol regularly (as directed on the bottle), plenty of fluids to drink and resting. A sore throat can be relieved by gargling with soluble aspirin or Paracetamol. Children can safely be given Paracetamol liquid (Calpol or Disprol), but do ask the doctor if you are worried. Sickness and Diarrhoea The reason why you get sickness and diarrhoea is that your body is trying to get rid of the bug which is making it feel unwell. So, although it is not very pleasant, it usually serves a purpose. The best thing is to let the illness run its course for a few days whilst your body gets rid of the bug. You can help yourself by taking plenty of liquids and limiting the food you eat. (Most of us won't come to any harm by not eating for a couple of days). Often the best fluid is clear lemonade, which you flatten by leaving the lid off the bottle or putting a spoonful of sugar in a glass of it. High Temperatures (‘Burning Up’) The 3 important things to do when an adult or a child has a high temperature are: Drink plenty as you will sweat a lot. Take Paracetamol (Calpol, Disprol or Panadol) every 6 hours. This also helps aches and headaches. Sponge the body with cool water, but don't dry it off. The body heat will dry it, bringing down the temperature. If the person is very unwell or not beginning to get better in 2 or 3 days, then phone the doctor for advice.