News and media releases from the Surrey Heartlands area
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Be ready for winter and make time for self-care
People across Surrey Heartlands are being encouraged to take responsibility for their health this winter by managing minor illnesses at home with the right advice and over-the-counter medicines.
Self-care already makes up around 80% of all healthcare in the UK.
Most people are able to manage minor illnesses such as coughs and colds themselves, especially when they recognise the symptoms and have used over-the-counter medicines before.
Despite this, GPs still see around 57 million appointments each year for minor ailments, costing the NHS around £2 billion and taking up about an hour of every GP’s day.
In Surrey Heartlands alone, around £4 million was spent last year on medicines that people could have bought over the counter.
Many prescriptions issued locally are for conditions that get better on their own or can be safely treated at home.
This winter, NHS Surrey Heartlands is sharing advice and resources to help people feel more confident looking after themselves and their families at home.
The focus is on helping residents recognise common winter ailments, understand how to treat them safely, and know when further medical help may be needed.
Coughs, colds and nasal congestion, sore throats, tired eyes, cold sores and conjunctivitis are all common at this time of year and can leave people feeling unwell.
Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet means these minor illnesses can often be treated safely and effectively at home.
Most people can buy their own treatments to manage these common illnesses. These medicines are available over the counter at pharmacies or supermarkets without needing a prescription.
Useful items to keep at home include:
- Cough medicines
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Eye drops, gels or ointments
- Throat lozenges, gargles and sprays
People are reminded to always check expiry dates and follow the product instructions carefully.
Linda Honey, Director of Medicines Optimisation at NHS Surrey Heartlands, said:
Winter brings an increase in minor illnesses, and it’s important that people feel confident managing these at home.
Many common symptoms can be treated quickly and safely with over-the-counter medicines, and your local pharmacist is always available to offer expert advice if you’re unsure what’s best to use.
By being prepared, you can help yourself recover sooner and free up GP and emergency services for those who need them most.
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer expert advice on how to treat minor illnesses, conditions and which medicines to keep at home. They can also help identify when someone might need further care.
Find useful Self-Care facts sheets with information about what people can do to help themselves and when to seek medical help on the Self-Care Forum website.