There are many illnesses that do not require you to seek medical attention.

Every year, millions of us visit our GP with minor health problems that our local pharmacist could resolve.

It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete's foot. But by visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble.

Instead of booking and waiting for a GP appointment, you can visit your local pharmacist any time: just walk in.

All pharmacists can recognise many common health complaints. They can give advice or, where appropriate, medicines that will help to clear up the problem. If your problem is more serious and needs the attention of a GP, your pharmacist will recognise this and advise you to see your GP.

Pharmacist may be able to help with:

• skin conditions, such as mild acne and mild eczema

• coughs and colds, including nasal congestion and sore throat

• minor cuts and bruises

• constipation and haemorrhoids (piles)

• hay fever and allergies

• aches and pains, such as headaches, earache and backache

• Indigestion, diarrhoea and thread-worms

• period pain and thrush

• warts and verrucas, mouth ulcers and cold sores

• athlete's foot

• nappy rash and teething

Accident & Emergency (A&E)

A&E departments treat patients who have serious injuries or illnesses.

You should visit A&E or dial 999 for emergencies, such as:

• loss of consciousness

• pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia
• acute confused state
• chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• suspected broken bones or heavy blood loss
• overdose or poisoning

Vomiting is also a part of other illness with fevers or caused by a viral "bug".

It will often last less than 24 hours.

Most importantly is keeping sipping fluids to keep well hydrated.

It is best to stop solids/milk for the first 24 hours.

When symptoms ease introduce starchy foods (bread/potatoes/pasta).

Most cases of diarrhoea clear up after a few days without treatment.

In adults, it usually improves after two to four days. In children, it often lasts slightly longer, between five and seven days.

When to see your GP

In adults, diarrhoea that lasts more than a few weeks may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as bowel cancer, Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

If you have persistent diarrhoea, you should visit your GP  The doctor can try to establish a cause. This is particularly important if you have blood or pus in your faeces.

If your baby or child has had six or more episodes of diarrhoea in the last 24 hours, you should take them to see your GP.

Preventing diarrhoea

To prevent diarrhoea caused by infection, you should take steps to prevent the infection spreading. For example, make sure you:

-wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or     preparing food

-clean the toilet, including the handle and the seat, with disinfectant after each about of diarrhoea

-avoid sharing towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils with other household members

-stay at home until at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea.