A new self-help guide to help people with winter coughs has been launched on Scotland’s health information website NHS inform.
The step-by-step guide, which can be found at nhsinform.scot, is designed to help people assess their symptoms online and find out what they should do next.
Coughs are one of the most common reasons people call NHS 24’s 111 service, with staff handling around 25,000 calls related to coughs, cold and flu symptoms in January alone this year.
This new guide, which includes advice on how to manage a cough, and what to do if your condition worsens, provides people with easy to access, reliable and accurate information online.
Dr Laura Ryan, Medical Director at NHS 24, is encouraging people across the country to make use of the latest digital resource.
Dr Ryan said: “If it’s not a medical emergency and you’re unsure about what to do next, our range of self-help guides can suggest next steps to help with your health situation.
“Our new Guide for coughs will ask you some questions to find out more about your symptoms and advise you of the most appropriate care.
“Most coughs are caused by a viral infection and can be treated at home. However, the Guide will suggest what you should do if your condition worsens, and when to seek medical help.
“For a mild cough, the best thing to do is rest, drink lots of fluids, and take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you have a cough that lasts more than three weeks or see blood in your spit, then it’s a good idea to get it checked out by your GP.”
Dr Ryan is also reminding the public that help for minor illnesses is available from your local community pharmacy.She said: “If you are feeling under the weather, visit your nearest pharmacy. Most pharmacists in Scotland have the ability to give out advice and treatment for many common illnesses.”
To find your local pharmacy, visit Scotland’s Service Directory at NHSinform.scot.
Health Information Advisors are also available to offer general health information via webchat at NHSinform.scot or by calling 0800 22 44 88.
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Not coughing all over other people, especially on the bus would be a good idea.
Useful tip, Ray!