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

A pharmacist can give you advice on treating your condition. 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, cold remedies, indigestion treatment and antihistamine, and by ordering repeat prescriptions in good time so that you don't run out. 

Get help for hay fever

Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.

Symptoms of hay fever include:

  • sneezing and coughing
  • a runny or blocked nose
  • itchy, red or watery eyes
  • itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
  • loss of smell
  • pain around your temples and forehead
  • headache
  • earache
  • feeling tired

If you have asthma, you might also:

  • have a tight feeling in your chest
  • be short of breath
  • wheeze and cough

Hay fever will last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after one to two weeks.

Speak to your pharmacist if you have hay fever. They can give advice and suggest the best treatments, like antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays to help with itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, and a blocked nose.

Find out more about how to cope with hay fever.

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It’s important to keep yourself well in hot weather.

If you or others feel unwell, dizzy, weak, or have intense thirst, move to a cool place, rehydrate, and cool your body down.

Look out for older people and others who may find it more difficult to stay cool and hydrated.

Help reduce your risk of illness

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.