Each year 25% of the population visit their GP for a respiratory tract infection (eg sinus, throat or chest infection); these are usually caused by viruses.

For patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not necessary for viral infections.

These infections will normally clear up by looking after yourself at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol.

Ear infections typically last 4 days
89% of cases clear up on their own

A sore throat typically lasts 7 days
40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90% after 7 days without antibiotics

Sinusitis typically lasts 17 days
80% clear up in 14 days without antibiotics

Cough/bronchitis typically lasts 21 days
Antibiotics reduce symptoms by only 1 day

Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria.

Taking unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided because they may not be effective next time you have a bacterial infection.

Patients with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD are eligible for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Ask at reception for more information.

You can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.

We suggest you keep the following:

• Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
• Mild laxatives
• Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
• Rehydration mixture
• Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
• Travel sickness tablets
• Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
• Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
• Tweezers and sharp scissors
• A thermometer
• A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings

Remember:

• Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
• Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
• Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
• Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy

Age UK – Provide services and support to older people
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/

Alzheimer’s Society – Dementia Support
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/find-support-near-you

Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs:
https://www.afvbc.net/find-a-club/st-ives-huntingdon/

The Royal British Legion – Support for members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/

Calm Town – cover many local support services
https://www.calmtown.org/get-support

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Partnership
https://www.cambsdasv.org.uk/web

Caring Together – Carers Hubs
https://www.caringtogether.org/support-for-carers/adult-carers/family-carers-hubs/

Centre 33 – Supporting Young People – Drop-in sessions
https://centre33.org.uk/help/huntingdon/

CGL – Drug & Alcohol Service
https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-cambridgeshire/huntingdon

Domestic Abuse Support Service – Impakt Housing & Support
https://impakt.org.uk/dass/

Hourglass – support for older people at risk of, experiencing or recovering from any form of abuse or neglect
https://wearehourglass.org/hourglass-services

Hunts Community Cancer Network – programme of free activities that support anyone over 18, living in Huntingdonshire, recovering from or living with a cancer diagnosis or is a carer of someone with a diagnosis
https://www.hccnthecharity.org/

Keep Your Head – cover many local support groups
https://www.keep-your-head.com/adults/MH/who-else-can-help-me/local-support

The Kite Trust – supporting the wellbeing and creativity of LGBTQ+ young people
https://thekitetrust.org.uk/

Kooth – digital mental health support for children and young people
https://www.kooth.com/

Macmillan – Cancer Support
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support

Mermaid – Support for gender-diverse kids, young people and their families
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/

Mind CPSL – Mental Health
https://www.cpslmind.org.uk/how-we-help/good-life-service/peer-support-groups/

Pinpoint – Support for families of children with Autism, additional needs, learning difficulties and disabilities
https://www.pinpoint-cambs.org.uk/support-groups/?location=huntingdonshire&need=

MS – Multiple Sclerosis
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/local-support/local-groups/huntingdon-district-group

SSAFA – provide practical, financial and emotional support for services personnel, veterans and their families
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help

Switchboard – LGBT+ helpline
https://switchboard.lgbt/

MindOut – LGBTQ online mental health service
https://mindout.org.uk/

Qwell – digital mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK
https://www.qwell.io/