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What to Do 

 

Look after yourself this winter by keeping warm and well.
If you do get ill, here is a guide on what to do:

Stay at home
  • Treat coughs, colds and flu by keeping warm, resting and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids
  • Paracetemol or ibuprofen can reduce high temperatures and ease aches and pains
  • Most people recover from viral infections like cold and flu in 4–7 days
  • Antibiotics won’t help with flu, colds and most coughs and sore throats
Ask your pharmacist
  • Advice on common complaints including coughs and colds, sore throats, stomach upsets, head lice and athletes foot
  • Minor Ailments Service for patients exempt from prescription charges - free advice and supply of medicine without having to see a GP
  • Check NHS Lanarkshire pharmacy opening times over the festive season
Call your community optician
  • Community opticians (optometrists) can provide treatment and advice for a range of minor eye conditions such as red eye, sudden changes in vision, and any kind of pain in and around the eyes
  • Many opticians are open Saturday and Sunday
Contact your GP (doctor)
  • For more serious illnesses, make a routine appointment with your GP.
  • GP surgeries will be closed for two blocks of four days: 25–28 December and 1–4 January.
    They are open 29–31 December
  • Cancel your appointment if things change and you no longer need it
Call NHS 24, 08454 24 24 24
  • For urgent medical advice when your GP surgery is closed, contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.
    If required, you will see a GP, nurse or paramedic from the Lanarkshire Out Of Hours Service
  • NHS 24 can advise on dental emergencies if you are not registered with a dentist. For registered patients, call your own dentist
A&E / 999
  • For accidents and serious emergencies go to A&E at Wishaw General, Monklands or Hairmyres hospitals or call 999. They are open throughout the festive period, including public holidays
  • Call NHS 24 if you are unsure what to do