Flu

You can often treat the flu without seeing your GP and should begin to feel better in about a
week.

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 sore throat

 a headache

 difficulty sleeping

 loss of appetite

 diarrhoea or tummy pain

 nausea and being sick

The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less
active.

Telling the difference between cold and flu

How to treat flu yourself

To help you get better more quickly:

 rest and sleep

 keep warm

 take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains

 drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear)

A pharmacist can help with flu

A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies.

Be careful not to use flu remedies if you're taking paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets as it's
easy to take more than the recommended dose.

Speak to a pharmacist before giving medicines to children.

Memory loss (amnesia)
Most people forget things from time to time, but see a GP if you keep having problems with
your memory. It could be caused by something that can be treated.

See a GP if memory problems are affecting your day-to-day life

It's probably nothing serious, but it's best to get checked because any treatment you might
need may work better if it's started early.

Important

If you're worried about an older relative who's becoming increasingly forgetful, speak to your
GP about whether it could be a sign of dementia.

What happens at your appointment

Your GP will ask you some questions to try to find the cause of your memory problems.

It might be useful to bring someone else with you who can help describe the problems you're
having.

Your GP may refer you to a memory specialist for an in-depth assessment. Further tests, such
as scans, may also sometimes be needed.

Any treatment that's recommended will depend on the cause of your memory problems.

Causes of memory loss

Memory loss can just be a natural part of getting older.

Sometimes it may be caused by something common and treatable, like:

 stress

 anxiety or depression

 sleeping problems

Occasionally, memory loss can be a sign of something more serious, such as dementia.

Don't try to self-diagnose the cause of your memory loss – always see a GP.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a painful swelling of the appendix. The appendix is a small, thin pouch about
5 to 10cm (2 to 4 inches) long. It's connected to the large intestine, where poo forms.

Nobody knows exactly what the appendix does, but removing it's not harmful.

Appendicitis typically starts with a pain in the middle of your tummy (abdomen) that may
come and go.

Within hours, the pain travels to the lower right-hand side, where the appendix usually lies,
and becomes constant and severe.

Pressing on this area, coughing or walking may make the pain worse.

You may lose your appetite, feel sick, and have constipation or diarrhoea.

When to get medical help

If you have abdominal pain that's gradually getting worse, contact your GP or local out-of-
hours service immediately.If your pain eases for a while but then gets worse, your appendix
may have burst, which can lead to life-threatening complications.

How appendicitis is treated

If you have appendicitis, it's likely your appendix will need to be removed as soon as possible.

Removal of the appendix, known as an appendicectomy or appendectomy, is one of the most

common operations in the UK and its success rate is excellent.

What causes appendicitis?

It's not clear what causes appendicitis. In many cases it may be that something blocks the
entrance of the appendix.

For example, it could become blocked by a small piece of poo, or an upper respiratory tract
infection could cause the lymph node within the wall of the bowel to become swollen.

If the obstruction causes inflammation and swelling, it could lead to increased pressure within
the appendix, which may then burst.

As the causes of appendicitis are not fully understood, there's no guaranteed way of
preventing it.

Who's affected

Appendicitis is a common condition. You can get appendicitis at any age, but it usually affects
young people aged between 10 and 20 years.
Asthma
Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties.

It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the
first time in adults.

There's currently no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms
under control so it doesn't have a big impact on your life.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of asthma are:

 wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)

 breathlessness

 a tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it

 coughing

The symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse. This is known as an asthma attack.

When to see a GP

See your GP if you think you or your child may have asthma.

Several conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it's important to get a proper diagnosis and
correct treatment.

Your GP will usually be able to diagnose asthma by asking about symptoms and carrying out
some simple tests.

Treatments

Asthma is usually treated by using an inhaler, a small device that lets you breathe in medicines.

The main types are:

 reliever inhalers – used when needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms for a short
time

 preventer inhalers – used every day to prevent asthma symptoms occurring

Some people also need to take tablets.

Bone cancer
Primary bone cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the bones. Around 550 new cases
are diagnosed each year in the UK.

Signs and symptoms of bone cancer

Bone cancer can affect any bone, but most cases develop in the long bones of the legs or
upper arms.

The main symptoms include:

 persistent bone pain that gets worse over time and continues into the night

 swelling and redness (inflammation) over a bone, which can make movement difficult
if the affected bone is near a joint

 a noticeable lump over a bone

 a weak bone that breaks (fractures) more easily than normal

If you or your child are experiencing persistent, severe or worsening bone pain, visit your GP.
While it's highly unlikely to be the result of bone cancer, it does require further investigation.

Types of bone cancer

Some of the main types of bone cancer are:

 osteosarcoma – the most common type, which mostly affects children and young
adults under 20

 Ewing sarcoma – which most commonly affects people aged between 10 and 20

 chondrosarcoma – which tends to affect adults aged over 40

What causes bone cancer?

In most cases, it's not known why a person develops bone cancer.

You're more at risk of developing it if you:

 have had previous exposure to radiation during radiotherapy

 have a condition known as Paget's disease of the bone – however, only a very small
number of people with Paget's disease will actually develop bone cancer

 have a rare genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni syndrome – people with this condition
have a faulty version of a gene that normally helps stop the growth of cancerous cells
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), causing them to become
irritated and inflamed.

The bronchi branch off on either side of your windpipe (trachea). They lead to smaller and
smaller airways inside your lungs, known as bronchioles.

The walls of the bronchi produce mucus to trap dust and other particles that could otherwise
cause irritation.

Bronchitis can be described as being either:

 acute bronchitis – temporary inflammation of the airways, causing a cough and mucus
production, lasting up to three weeks; acute bronchitis can affect people of all ages
but mostly affects children under the age of five; it's more common in winter and
often develops following a common cold, sore throat or flu

 chronic bronchitis – a daily productive cough that lasts for three months of the year
and for at least two years in a row; chronic bronchitis is one of a number of lung
conditions, including emphysema, that are collectively known as chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD); it mostly affects adults over 40

It's important that you stop smoking if you smoke and you have bronchitis.

Cigarette smoke and the chemicals in cigarettes make bronchitis worse and increase your risk
of developing chronic bronchitis and COPD.

Symptoms of bronchitis

The main symptom of acute bronchitis is a hacking cough, which may bring up clear, yellow-
grey or greenish mucus (phlegm). Other symptoms are similar to those of the common cold
or sinusitis, and may include:

 sore throat

 headache

 runny or blocked nose

 aches and pains

 tiredness
Cholera
Cholera is an infection that can cause severe diarrhoea. It's not found in the UK, but there's a
very small risk of getting it while travelling in some parts of the world.

Check if you could be at risk of cholera

You can catch cholera from:

 drinking unclean water

 eating food (particularly shellfish)

that's been in unclean water

 eating food that's been handled

by an infected person

The risk of getting it while travelling is very small.

It's mainly found in places without a clean water supply or modern sewage system, such as
parts of Africa and Asia.

How to avoid cholera while travelling

Good hygiene can help stop you getting ill while

travelling in areas where cholera is found.

Do

 wash your hands with soap and water

regularly, especially after using the
toilet and before preparing food or
eating

 only drink tap water that's been boiled

or bottled water

 brush your teeth using bottled or boiled

water

Don't

 do not eat uncooked fruit and vegetables (including salads) that you haven't washed
with bottled or boiled water and prepared yourself

 do not eat shellfish and seafood

 do not eat ice cream or have ice in your drinks

You can get vaccinated against cholera if you're at risk

There's a vaccine for cholera, but most people don't need it.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by long-term liver damage. The scar tissue prevents
the liver working properly.

Cirrhosis can eventually lead to liver failure, where your liver stops working, which can be fatal.

But it usually takes years for the condition to reach this stage and treatment can help slow its
progression.

Symptoms

You may not have any symptoms

during the early stages of
cirrhosis. As your liver becomes
more damaged, you may:

 feel very tired and weak

 feel nauseous

 lose your appetite

As the condition gets worse,

further symptoms can include:

 yellowing of the skin and

whites of the eyes (jaundice)

 vomiting blood

 itchy skin

 dark, tarry-looking poo

 a tendency to bleed or bruise

more easily

 swollen legs (oedema) or

tummy (ascites) from a build-up
of fluid

Diagnosing cirrhosis

If your GP suspects cirrhosis, they'll check your medical history and carry out a physical
examination to look for signs of long-term liver disease.

You may have tests to confirm the diagnosis. Tests include:

 blood tests

 scans – an ultrasound scan, transient elastography scan, CT scan, or MRI scan

 liver biopsy – a fine needle is used to remove a sample of liver cells so they can be
examined under a microscope
Colic
Colic is when a baby cries a lot but there's no obvious cause. It's a common problem that
should get better on its own. Check if your baby has colic

All babies cry, but your baby may have colic if they cry more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week
for at least 1 week.

They may cry more often in the afternoon

and evening.

It may also be colic if:

 it's hard to soothe or settle your

baby

 they clench their fists

 they go red in the face

 they bring their knees up to their

tummy or arch their back

 their tummy rumbles or they're very windy

It can start when a baby is a few weeks old. It usually stops by the time they're 6 months old.

If you're not sure it's colic

Things you can try to soothe your baby

Your baby doesn't usually need to see a doctor if

they have colic. Speak to your health visitor for
advice and support.

Health visitors and doctors will usually advise you

to:

 hold or cuddle your baby when they're

crying a lot

 sit or hold your baby upright during

feeding to stop them swallowing air

 wind your baby after feeds

 gently rock your baby over your shoulder

 gently rock your baby in their Moses basket or crib, or push them in their pram

 bath your baby in a warm bath

 have some gentle white noise like the radio or TV in the background to distract them

 keep feeding your baby as usual

Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It usually gets better in a
couple of weeks without treatment.

Check if you have conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is also known as red or pink eye.

It usually affects both eyes and makes them:

 bloodshot

 burn or feel gritty

 produce pus that sticks to lashes

 itch

 water

Conjunctivitis that produces sticky pus is contagious

If eyes are red and feel gritty, the conjunctivitis is also usually contagious

If you're not sure it's conjunctivitis

Other conditions can cause red eyes.

Dengue
Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It's widespread in many parts of the world.

In most people the infection is mild and passes in about a week without causing any lasting
problems. But in rare cases it can be very serious and potentially life threatening.

There's no specific treatment or widely available vaccine for dengue, so it's important to try to
avoid being bitten by mosquitoes when visiting an area where the infection is found.

Symptoms of dengue

Symptoms of dengue usually develop suddenly 4 to 10 days after becoming infected.

Symptoms can include:

 a high temperature
(fever), which can
reach 40C (104F) or
higher

 a severe headache

 pain behind the eyes

 muscle and joint

pain

 feeling or being sick

 a widespread red
rash

 loss of appetite

Treatment for dengue

There's no cure or specific treatment for dengue. Treatment involves relieving your symptoms
while the infection runs its course.

You can usually look after yourself at home.

The following can help:

 take paracetamol to relieve pain and fever – avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can
cause bleeding problems in people with dengue

 drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration – if you're currently abroad, only drink
bottled water from properly sealed bottles

 get plenty of rest

You should start to feel better in around a week, although it may be a few weeks before you
feel your normal self again. Get medical advice if your symptoms don't improve.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a
person's blood sugar level to become too high.

There are 2 main types of diabetes:

 type 1 diabetes – where the body's

immune system attacks and destroys the
cells that produce insulin

 type 2 diabetes – where the body

doesn't produce enough insulin, or the
body's cells don't react to insulin

Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with
diabetes have type 2.

During pregnancy, some women have such high levels of blood glucose that their body is
unable to produce enough insulin to absorb it all. This is known as gestational diabetes.

When to see a doctor

Visit your GP as soon as possible if you experience the main symptoms of diabetes, which
include:

 feeling very thirsty

 urinating more frequently than usual,

particularly at night

 feeling very tired

 weight loss and loss of muscle bulk

 itching around the penis or vagina, or

frequent episodes of thrush

 cuts or wounds that heal slowly

 blurred vision

Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days.

Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms
tend to be general.

Causes of diabetes

The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced
by the pancreas (a gland behind the stomach).

When food is digested and enters your bloodstream, insulin moves glucose out of the blood
and into cells, where it's broken down to produce energy.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection that can affect the nose and
throat, and sometimes the skin. It's rare in the UK, but
there's a small risk of catching it while travelling in
some parts of the world.

Diphtheria vaccination

Diphtheria is rare in the UK because babies and children

are routinely vaccinated against it.

Travel vaccination

The best way to avoid diphtheria while travelling is to

be fully vaccinated against it.If you're travelling to a
part of the world where diphtheria is widespread, you
may need a booster vaccination if you were last
vaccinated against it more than 10 years ago.

Diphtheria is found in many areas, including:

 Asia

 the South Pacific

 the Middle East

 eastern Europe

 the Caribbean

Information:

For foreign travel, you may be able to get a combined vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and
polio free on the NHS. Ask at your GP surgery.

How diphtheria is spread

Diphtheria is highly contagious. It's spread by coughs and sneezes, or through close contact
with someone who's infected.

Symptoms of diphtheria

Symptoms usually start 2 to 5 days after becoming infected.

The main symptoms of diphtheria are:

 a thick grey-white coating at the back of your throat

 a high temperature (fever) of 38C or above

 feeling sick

 sore throat
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is an uncommon but serious
condition in which the brain becomes inflamed
(swollen).

It can be life-threatening and requires urgent

treatment in hospital.

Anyone can be affected, but the very young and

very old are most at risk.

Symptoms of encephalitis

Encephalitis sometimes starts off with flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature
and headache, but these don't always occur.

More serious symptoms develop over hours, days or weeks, including:

 confusion or disorientation

 seizures (fits)

 changes in personality and behaviour

 difficulty speaking

 weakness or loss of movement in some parts of

the body

 loss of consciousness

Causes of encephalitis

It's not always clear what causes encephalitis, but it can be caused by:

 viral infections – several common viruses can spread to the brain and cause
encephalitis in rare cases, including the herpes simplex virus (which causes cold
sores and genital herpes) and the chickenpoxvirus

 a problem with the immune system (the body's defence against infection)
– sometimes something goes wrong with the immune system and it mistakenly attacks
the brain, causing it to become inflamed

Treatments for encephalitis

Encephalitis needs to be treated in a hospital. The earlier treatment is started, the more
successful it's likely to be.

 antiviral medication

 steroid injections

 treatments to help control the immune system

 antibiotics or antifungal medication

Gastritis
Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed after it's been damaged.
It's a common condition with a wide range of causes.

For most people, gastritis isn't serious and improves quickly if treated – but if not, it can last
for years.

Symptoms of gastritis

Many people with gastritis caused by a bacterial infection don't have any symptoms. In other
cases, gastritis can cause:

 indigestion

 gnawing or burning stomach pain

 nausea and vomiting

 feeling full after eating

If the stomach lining has been worn away (erosive gastritis) and exposed to stomach acid,
symptoms may include pain, bleeding or a stomach ulcer.

The symptoms of gastritis may come on suddenly and severely (acute gastritis) or last a long
time (chronic gastritis).

When to see your GP

If you have indigestion and stomach pain, you can try treating this yourself with changes to
your diet and lifestyle, or with a number of different over-the-counter medications, such
as antacids.

See your GP if:

 you have indigestion symptoms lasting a week or longer, or it's causing you severe
pain or discomfort

 you think it's brought on by medication you've been prescribed

 you're vomiting blood or have blood in your stools (your stools may appear black)

Stomach ache and abdominal pain aren't always a sign of gastritis – the pain could be caused
by a wide range of other things, from trapped wind to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).