Nobody likes being under the weather, especially at this time of year. Help you and your family stay well with a bit of healthy know how.
Prepare for Easter holidays
— check you have remedies to treat common illnesses at home
— check your repeat prescription ahead of Easter
— order the medicines you need in plenty of time
— visit NHS inform and use the self-help guides if you want to check your symptoms
— check when your GP practice and pharmacy are open over the Easter holidays
Check you have medicines at home
One way to prepare for holidays is to make sure you have some over-the-counter remedies for common illnesses. Your pharmacist can advise you on the best medicines for you and your family.
Good things to have include:
— paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief
— antihistamines to help allergies
— anti-diarrhoeals for diarrhoea
— indigestion remedies like an antacid
— mild laxatives for constipation
— a first aid kit which includes plasters, bandages and antiseptic wipes for cuts and scrapes
— medicines specifically for children (your pharmacist can advise)
Remember to always follow the advice on the pack and do not get too much as medicines go out of date.
Find out where to access medicines
Find out where you can get more medication when your medicine supplies have run out.
The NHS Inform self-help guide will help you to decide if you need to contact your GP practice or pharmacy. You can use this guide for information about prescription and non-prescription medication.
Download NHS 24 Online app
NHS 24 has recently introduced a new way for people to get help if they’re unwell. The new mobile app NHS 24 Online allows users in Scotland to:
— find their nearest healthcare services
— assess symptoms for common illnesses
— get information on where to get further help, if needed
The app includes a virtual chatbot function to answer common queries. It can also provide further advice for a range of illnesses.
The app is free to download and is available for both Apple and Android devices.
Download the free NHS 24 Online app
What to do if someone has a fever
A fever is a high temperature. You may feel warm, cold or shivery.
A fever is a temperature over:
— 37.5C in children
— 37.8C or above in adults
Self-help guide: Fever in adults
Self-help guide: Fever in babies
Looking after your mental wellbeing
If you’re feeling down, there are ways you can help look after your mental health.
NHS inform has many resources with more information on how you can maintain your mental wellbeing.
Depression self-help guide
Anxiety self-help guide
Check on others
If you have vulnerable neighbours, relatives or know someone with heart and breathing problems, check in with them to make sure they:
— are feeling well
— are warm enough at home
— have enough food and medicines if they’re unable to go out in bad weather
If you’re concerned that someone isn’t coping, contact your local council or the Age Scotland helpline. It’s available on 0800 12 44 222, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Get vaccinated
The vaccine that’ll help protect you from coronavirus this spring is now available. NHS Scotland recommends you get your vaccine as soon as it’s offered to you.
