Ask your pharmacist what medicines should be in your cabinet to help you and your family this winter.
Many over-the-counter medicines (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) are available to relieve symptoms of common winter illnesses such as colds, sinusitis or earache.
Keeping a few essential items in your medicine cabinet means you can manage minor illnesses quickly without needing to see your GP or seek urgent medical advice.
Recommended items to keep on hand include:
- Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen for pain or fever relief
- Cold and flu remedies
- Throat sweets
- Antihistamines
- Indigestion tablets
- Plasters and antiseptic cream for minor cuts
- A thermometer
To manage winter illness symptoms at home, you should keep warm, rest, drink plenty of fluids, have at least one hot meal a day to keep your energy levels up and use over-the-counter medicines to help give relief. For more information, speak to your local pharmacist; find yours at: www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.
