Self-care

Most minor illnesses will get better without the need to visit a doctor and can be treated at home. 

You can get medicine for many health issues such as ringworm, athletes' foot, insect bites, dry skin and travel sickness from a supermarket or pharmacy. You don't need to contact your GP practice for a prescription for these items. 

Your pharmacist can give you advice and suggest the best treatments for your symptoms. Find your nearest pharmacy and check the pharmacy opening times.

The NHS England website has a health A-Z, which is a complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help. 

You can help ease the pressure on local health services by making sure your medicine cabinet is fully stocked with the basic essentials, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, indigestion treatment and antihistamine, and by ordering repeat prescriptions in good time so that you don't run out. 

While it's important to have medicine at home, stockpiling medicine, asking for more than you need on a prescription, or routinely picking up repeat prescriptions without checking, costs the NHS money and deprives others from using those medicines.

Learn more about medicines waste.

Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects, which can spread illnesses such as food poisoning, flu or diarrhoea.

It can also help stop spreading infections when you're visiting someone in hospital or another healthcare setting.

Use a tissue to catch your cough or sneeze and dispose of it as soon as possible. Make sure you wash your hands as soon as you can.

To boost your protection, visit Get Vaccinated Now.

Making simple changes to your lifestyle can have a big impact on your health and wellbeing. 

One You Kent can help kick-start some lifestyle changes if you would like to lose weight, stop smoking, get more active or reduce your alcohol intake.

Find support leading a healthier lifestyle with A Better Medway.