• >> Your local pharmacist can help advise you on steps to take and medicines to help ease an upset stomach
• >> Antibiotics will not treat cold or flu symptoms, as these illnesses are caused by a viral infection not bacterial
• >> In most cases, fever is due to a common and harmless illness and will get better by itself within around 5 days
• >> A plaster is just for protection, it won't help the cut heal so only leave it on for between 24 and 48 hours
• >> A cough can last for up to 3 weeks and there is usually no need to see a doctor
• >> Feeling unwell but not sure what to do? Call NHS 111 – it's free and open 24 hours a day, every day
• >> Most people will be as good as new within 6-8 weeks of a sprain or strain

• Recovery

  Most people will recover from an allergic reaction within a few hours and often don’t need any treatment, although antihistamines, such as Piriton, can help to speed things up.
  
  Whilst it is possible for children to ‘grow-out’ of allergies, some allergies can actually become worse the more you or your child are exposed to whatever has caused the reaction. If this is the case, speak to your local pharmacist or GP.

• Symptoms

  The symptoms of an allergic reaction vary depending on what you’re allergic to. The following is an idea of what symptoms you can expect from the most common types of allergies.
  
  Allergies to substances in the air - including pollen (hay fever), animal dander and dust mites:

  • sneezing and a blocked, runny or itchy nose
  • itchy, red and/or watery eyes
  • wheezing, breathlessness or coughing.

  Allergies to food or medication:

  • raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
  • swelling, often of the lips, tongue, eyes and/or face
  • stomach/abdominal pain or cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea
  • dry, red and cracked skin.

  Allergies to things which touch the skin, such as perfume, soap, hair dye or metal jewellery:

  • dry, red and cracked skin.

  Did you know?

  It’s possible, and actually quite common, to be allergic or intolerant to alcohol. Ingredients in alcoholic drinks (such as gluten, wheat, histamine, yeast, sulphur dioxide or sulphites) can trigger allergic reactions including nasal swelling and congestion, headache, nausea, heartburn or a rapid heartbeat.

• Treating an allergy or hay fever

  There are a number of different treatments for allergic reactions, although in some cases simply avoiding the substance is the best way to reduce your symptoms. If you do need medication your pharmacist can help you choose the best treatment for you or your child, most of which are available over the counter.
  
  

  Did you know?

  Antihistamines work by blocking the chemical which is produced by the body when it thinks it is under attack.

  
  
  The following are treatments available to help with allergic reactions:

  • antihistamine tablets
  • antihistamine creams
  • eye drops - to relieve itchy and sore eyes
  • nasal sprays - to help reduce swelling and irritation in your nose
  • decongestants – to help relieve a blocked nose.

  Severe allergic reactions (known as anaphylaxis) are treated with an adrenaline injection. People who suffer from this are given an injection kit such as EpiPen or Anapen for self-treatment.

• When to seek medical advice

  If you or your child experience a severe allergic reaction, you can get instant medical advice by calling 111. For difficulty breathing and rapid swelling of the lips and face, please seek urgent advice.
  
  NHS 111 is staffed by trained advisors, and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
  
  The people who take 111 calls are in the same room as those who answer 999, so if they ever feel a caller needs urgent attention or an ambulance, they can arrange it immediately.
  
  If you find you suffer from allergic reactions often or for long periods of time, it is worth speaking to your GP about an allergy test. This will help identify what you are allergic to, helping you to prevent and treat reactions in the best way.

If you're concerned about yourself, a relative or friend, call NHS 111 for medical advice, this free service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The advisors taking 111 calls are in the same room as those answering 999 calls, so if urgent attention is needed, they can arrange it immediately for you.