By Cardiff Metropolitan University Health Service

You are away from home, you become unwell, but how do you know when you should visit the Doctor or if all you need is a bit of self help.

There are so many different things that could be wrong with you, it is impossible to give a succinct answer. However, what I aim to do is give you some pointers and guidelines to make this decision as easy as possible, at a time when all you may want to do is sleep.

Firstly a few simple questions you can ask yourself 

What are you symptoms? 

• Eg Headache, sore throat, diarrhoea, 

Have you had these symptoms before?

• What did you do to resolve them?

• Will this work this time?

How long have you had these symptoms?

Are you getting better or worse?

Self Help

If you’ve used a treatment before that has worked for the same symptoms then try using it again. 

If you are getting better, this is a sign your body is fighting off any infection and you are on the road to recovery.

The majority of sore throats, coughs, cold/flu like illnesses don’t need to be treated with antibiotics, try warm drinks, paracetamol, fluids, raising your head in bed. 

There are reputable websites you can visit for further self help/ medical advice 

http://www.patient.co.uk/pils.asp  or http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/selfassessments/ 

See the Dr if:

You’ve had a temperature over 38c for more than 3 days

You are suffering severe pain not helped by medication

If a long term illness is being made worse

You have a mole that has changed, e.g. started bleeding, become itchy

You find a new lump that is getting bigger or not disappearing

You lose weight unintentionally

See a Doctor immediately or phone 999 if:

You suspect meningitis

If you are not sure what to do and want further advice

Visit one of the University nurses at Cyncoed or Howard Gardens

http://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/health/ 

or email them healthservice@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Telephone NHS Direct Wales:  0845 46 47

This information is by no means exhaustive; if in doubt please contact a medical professional