Self Help

Alder Hey have an online symptom checker tool to help find information on the most common symptoms in children requiring urgent care and decide where best to get the right care for your child.

North West Children's Allergy Network has a patient zone where you can find leaflets/guidance and details of local NHS allergy services in the North West of England, the specialists that work there and what they can offer.

Antibiotics do not work for illnesses like colds and flu, which are caused by viruses.  Many sore throats and earaches are also caused by viruses. Don’t worry if your sore throat lasts for up to a week – that’s perfectly normal.

For patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not necessary for viral infections. These infections will normally clear up by looking after yourself at home with rest, plenty of fluids and Paracetamol.  Ask your pharmacist about treatments to relieve symptoms.

You can read more about antimicrobial resistance and how we can combat it to keep antibiotics working.

When will I feel better?

Ear infections typically last 4 days – 89% of cases clear up on their own.

A sore throat typically lasts 7 days – 40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90% after 7 days without antibiotics.

Sinusitis typically lasts 17 days – 80% clear up in 14 days without antibiotics.

Cough/bronchitis typically lasts 21 days – Antibiotics reduce symptoms by only 1 day.

Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria. Taking unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided because they may not be effective next time you have a bacterial infection. Patients with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD are eligible for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Ask at reception for more information.

Everyone has a role to play in using antibiotics responsibly. Use antibiotics wisely and treat viral infections responsibly. This way you are helping to stop antibiotic resistance, so antibiotics work when you really need them.

7 Golden Rules:

1. Keep moving, even slowly at first
2. Keep living and working normally
3. Avoid best rest during the day
4. Exercise
5. Don’t sit down for too long
6. Don’t be afraid to take simple painkillers
7. Stay active and remember to reintroduce activities like heavy lifting very gradually

You can read more from the NHS about how to help back pain.

Knowing the signs of cancer could save your life. It's important to be aware of any new or worrying symptoms. Although it's ulikely to be cancer, it's important to speak to a GP so they can investigate. Finding cancer early means it's easier to treat.

If a patient already has a history of heart problems and is experiencing chest pain, they should NOT contact the practice in the first instance, but should ring 999 immediately.

If a patient contacts the surgery and is experiencing chest pain, they will be asked to speak to a doctor or nurse straight away who can then make the decision whether the patient should ring 999 or not.  In the rare event that a clinician is not available on the premises, the receptionists are trained to follow a strict protocol.

It is much better for you, the patient, to ring 999 as it is essential the Ambulance Service is informed of any deterioration whilst you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive.