Common Infections (16 years +)
Symptoms can be varied but include red or sticky eyes, cough, sore throat, blocked nose or diarrhoea and vomiting.
Timescales
Cough 3-4 weeks
Sore throat/earache 7-8 days
Common Cold 14 days
Norovirus 2-3 days
Sinus Infection 3-4 weeks
Eye Infection 7-14 days
Contact your GP if your symptoms are getting worse or if you are not better within the above timescales.
Treatment
Plenty of rest, pain relief if required, drinking plenty fluids or over the counter remedies which are available at your local pharmacy. Antibiotics are rarely necessary and should only be used under your healthcare professional’s advice
Prevention
Frequent hand washing (for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitiser), avoid touching your face with unclean hands, keeping vaccinations up to date and opting to receive winter vaccines if eligible.
Should you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact your GP urgently or call 111 if out of hours immediately - Severe headache and vomiting, ongoing fever or chills (above 38C, less than 36C), problems swallowing, coughing blood, chest pain/tightness, kidney pain, new very fast or slow pulse or very cold skin For more tailored advice, please speak to your Community Pharmacist or visit nhsinform