• >> 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

• Sprain or strain?

  A sprain is a torn, stretched or twisted ligament, often as a result of excessive force on a joint.
  
  A strain is the stretch or tearing of muscle fibres, usually occurring when the muscle has been stretched too far or been forced to contract (shorten) too quickly.

• Recovery

  Most people will be as good as new within 6-8 weeks of a sprain or strain.
  
  A more severe injury can take longer to heal, particularly if it hasn’t been allowed enough time to rest.
  If you do experience persistent problems lasting several months or longer, make an appointment with your GP to check up on it.

• Symptoms

  Symptoms of a sprain include:

  • pain around the affected joint
  • being unable to use the joint normally or being unable to put weight on it for a few hours
  • swelling
  • bruising
  • tenderness.

  Symptoms of a strain include:

  • pain in the affected muscle
  • loss of some or all function of the affected muscle
  • swelling
  • bruising
  • muscle spasms (when they contract tightly and painfully).

• Treating a sprain or strain

  Most strains and strains can be treated at home, using techniques such as PRICE therapy, which stands for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
  
  Here to help
  
  PRICE therapy stands for:
  Protection - protect the injured area from further damage by using a support or (in the case of an ankle sprain) wearing shoes that enclose and support your feet.
  Rest - rest the injured joint or muscle and avoid activity for the first 48 to 72 hours. For more serious injuries your GP may recommend crutches.
  Ice - apply ice (or frozen peas) wrapped in a damp towel to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the day for the first 2-3 days.
  Compression - compress or bandage the area to limit any swelling and movement that could cause further damage. You can use a simple elastic bandage available from a pharmacy, but don’t wrap it too tightly to restrict blood flow and remove it before you sleep.
  Elevation - keep the injured area raised, ideally above heart level, and supported on a pillow to help reduce swelling.
  
  With a sprained joint, you should generally try to move it as soon as it is not painful to do so.
  
  A strained muscle should normally not be moved for at least a few days.
  
  Ordinary painkillers such as paracetamol can be used to ease pain, although stronger medication can be prescribed for more severe pain.
  
  

  Did you know?

  Cheaper painkillers work exactly the same as more expensive versions, so there is no need to waste your money!

• When to seek medical advice

  While most sprains and strains are relatively minor and can be cared for at home, you should call NHS 111 if you experience any of the following:

  • severe pain
  • being unable to move the injured joint or muscle
  • being unable to put any weight on the injured limb, or it gives way when you try to put weight on it over a more prolonged period (about 12 hours)
  • the injured area looks crooked, out of place or has unusual lumps or bumps
  • numbness, discolouration or coldness in any part of the injured area
  • if the symptoms have not started to show any sign of improvement within a few days of self-treatment.

  If you have any concerns about a sprain or strain, call NHS 111 to get help and advice quickly. This free service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and trained advisors can help to assess your symptoms and let you know what you should do.
  
  Trained advisors can help to assess your symptoms and let you know what you should do.

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.