You can often treat the flu without seeing a GP and should begin to feel better in about a week. Check if you have flu Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include: a sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above an aching body feeling tired or exhausted a dry cough a […]

WHAT ARE CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS? Oral contraceptive pills are a type of medication which helps to prevent pregnancy through using different types of hormones; oestrogen and progesterone. Globally, it is the most commonly used form of contraception in women and when used correctly, is over 99% effective at preventing an unwanted pregnancy. HOW DOES THE PILL […]

WHAT IS A MIGRAINE? Migraines are common conditions affecting around one in five women and up to 6 per cent of men. They can be loosely described as severe headaches involving a throbbing pain in the front or side of the head. A migraine sufferer often finds these headaches to be a recurring, debilitating problem. […]

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). If it keeps happening, it's called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Check if you have acid reflux The main symptoms of acid reflux are: heartburn – a burning sensation in the middle of your chest an unpleasant […]

Cold sores are common and usually clear up on their own within 10 days. But there are things you can do to help ease the pain. Check if it's a cold sore A cold sore usually starts with a tingling, itching or burning feeling. Over the next 48 hours: Small fluid-filled blisters appear. The blisters […]

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus. It used to be known as "the clap". How gonorrhoea is spread The bacteria that cause gonorrhoea are mainly found in discharge from the penis and in vaginal fluid. Gonorrhoea is easily passed between people through: unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex […]

Motion sickness is feeling sick when travelling by car, boat, plane or train. You can do things to prevent it or relieve the symptoms. How to ease motion sickness yourself Do minimise motion – sit in the front of a car or in the middle of a boat look straight ahead at a fixed point, […]

Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch. Symptoms of acne Acne most commonly develops on the: face – this affects almost everyone with acne back – this affects more than half of people with acne chest – this […]

Constipation is common and it affects people of all ages. You can usually treat it at home with simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. Check if it's constipation It's likely to be constipation if: you or your child have not had a poo at least 3 times in a week the poo is often […]

Gum disease is a very common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected. Most adults in the UK have gum disease to some degree, and most people experience it at least once. It's much less common in children. If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may have bad breath. This early stage […]