Self care

Self-care means looking after your health and managing minor illnesses or injuries at home when it is safe to do so.

Many everyday conditions can improve with rest, fluids and over-the-counter remedies. Understanding when to self-care and when to seek professional advice helps you recover sooner and ensures NHS services are there for people who need urgent or specialist support.

What is self-care?

Self-care is about:

  • Managing minor illnesses and injuries safely at home
  • Using trusted advice and over-the-counter medicines appropriately
  • Knowing when to contact a pharmacist, GP, or NHS 111
  • Taking steps to protect your long-term physical and mental wellbeing

Your local pharmacy

Community pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals. They can provide confidential advice without an appointment and help you manage many minor conditions.

How your pharmacist can help

Pharmacists can:

  • Recommend suitable treatments
  • Check that medicines are safe for you
  • Advise when you should see a GP or contact NHS 111
  • Provide some treatments through the NHS Pharmacy First service, following an assessment

[Find out more about community pharmacy services in Essex]

Supporting your long-term health

Self-care also includes looking after your physical and mental wellbeing. This can involve:

Find out more about how local lifestyle services can support your long-term health.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

For information to help you care for yourself at home, a health A-Z of conditions and treatments, or to find your nearest pharmacy for over-the-counter medicines, visit the NHS website. 

Contact NHS 111, your GP, or urgent care services if:

  • Symptoms do not improve after a few days
  • Pain is severe or worsening
  • You have a high or persistent fever
  • You are worried about a child, older person, or someone with complex health needs
  • You are unsure what to do

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if someone has symptoms of a medical emergency, such as chest pain, severe breathlessness, loss of consciousness, or signs of stroke.

You can find pharmacy opening times in Essex on the NHS website.

Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can supply certain prescription-only medicines for specific conditions after an assessment. This is not available for all illnesses.

Keeping a small supply of basic items means you can manage minor illness quickly and safely.

Useful items include:

  • Pain relief (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen)
  • Indigestion remedies (antacids)
  • Antihistamine tablets or creams for allergies
  • Cough medicines or throat lozenges
  • Oral rehydration salts and anti-diarrhoea treatments
  • A basic first aid kit (plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, thermometer)

Safe storage

All medicines should be:

  • Stored in their original packaging
  • Kept out of sight and reach of children and pets
  • Used before their expiry date
  • Disposed of safely at a pharmacy when no longer needed

Never share medicines with other people.

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