NHS Choices – Cold or Flu?

Colds and flu can share some of the same symptoms (sneezing, coughing, sore throat) but are caused by different viruses, and flu can be much more serious.

If you're generally fit and healthy, you can usually manage the symptoms of a cold or flu yourself without seeing a doctor. Look after yourself by resting, drinking non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration, and avoiding strenuous activity. Painkillers (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol) can relieve aches and pains if necessary.

However, some people need to take extra care as they're more at risk of serious chest complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Everyone over 65 is more at risk of complications. People under 65, including children, are more at risk of complications if they have: 

• serious heart or chest complaints, including asthma,
• serious kidney or liver disease, 
• diabetes, 
• lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, or
• have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Everyone in an at-risk group is eligible for a free flu vaccination. This is the best protection against the virus. Around four million people under 65 in England are in one of these high-risk categories, but only 45% of them had the flu jab in 2007.

Resources

Bupa - Colds & Flu
A factsheet on the causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention of colds & the flu

NHS Choices - is it the common cold or the flu?
Colds and flu can share some of the same symptoms (sneezing, coughing, sore throat) but are caused by different viruses, and flu can be much more serious.  Find out more.

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.  

Back Pain

Back pain is a common condition and in the UK, it is the largest cause of work-related absence. Back pain can be very uncomfortable, but it is not usually serious.

Back pain can affect anyone, regardless of age, but it is more common in people who are between 35 and 55 years of age.

In the majority of cases, the cause of back pain can be linked to the way that the bones, muscles and ligaments in the back work together.

Resources

Bupa - Back Pain
Factsheet on the causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention of back pain.

NHS Choices
NHS information on back pain

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.  

British Red Cross - Burns and Scalds

Tips on treating burns and scalds

1. Cool the burn as quickly as possible by placing the affected area under cold running water for at least ten minutes.

2. Cover the injury using a sterile dressing such as a clean non fluffy cloth or kitchen film, and seek medical advice. Dial 999 (or 112) in severe cases.

3. Raise the limb to reduce swelling.

Resources

Bupa - Burns & Scalds
Factsheet on the type of burn, treatment & recovery

NHS Choices
NHS information on burns

First Aid - MP3 Downloads

To save them on your computer, right-click on any of the links below and then click 'Save Target As..." .  Click on any of the links below to play the audio files: 

Burns - Explains the immediate treatment for burns and scalds.

Fits  - How to deal with fits (convulsions/seizures) in adults and young children.

Wounds  - Immediate actions for wounds, bleeding, and bleeding associated with fractures.

Unconscious patient who is breathing - How to deal with an unrousable patient who IS breathing (includes recovery position)

CPR for adults -  Adults who have collapsed, unrousable and NOT breathing.

CPR for babies - Babies who are unrousable and NOT breathing.

Collapsed patient in detail -  Explains the complete scenario including checks for breathing, circulation, etc.

These files have been prepared by Sussex Ambulance Service and comply with European Resuscitation Council Guidelines.

Other Links

British Red Cross - First Aid Myths
Debunk some of the many myths still surrounding first aid

BBC Health - First Aid
This site has information about how to react to common injuries and emergencies.

St Johns Ambulance
St John Ambulance believes that everyone should learn at least the basic first aid techniques.

Bupa - Home First Aid Kit
All you need to know about preparing and storing your own first aid kit

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.  

Fevers

Most symptoms of a fever in young children can be managed at home with infant paracetamol. If the fever is very high, they may have an infection that needs treating with antibiotics.  

·                Bupa - more about childhood fevers

·                NHS Choices - what temperature is a fever?

Head Lice

Head lice are insects that live on the scalp and neck. They may make your head feel itchy. Although head lice may be embarrassing and sometimes uncomfortable, they don't usually cause illness. However, they won't clear up on their own and you need to treat them promptly

·                Bupa - Head Lice Factsheet

·                NHS Choices

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds (also known as epistaxis) are fairly common, especially in children, and can generally be easily treated.

·                St Johns Ambulance

·                NHS Choices

HPA Childrens Vaccination Schedule

Click here for the recommended HPA vaccination schedule

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.  

Information on Healthier Living

NHS Choices Live Well 
Healthy living advice for everyone

BBC - Healthy Living
Simple, accurate advice from the BBC. Helps you to establish the dos & donts of living healthily.

Male Health
Fast, free independent information from the Men"s Health Forum.

Women’s Health Concern
Women"s Health Concern is a charitable organisation which aims to help educate and support women with their healthcare by providing unbiased, accurate information.