A lot of minor health complaints or symptoms, such as a grazed knee, sore throat, blister, hangover or mild headache, can be can be treated in your home by using over-the-counter medicine and getting plenty of rest.

Some self care tips to consider when you are feeling unwell:

• Drink plenty of fluids (water, fruit juice, soup etc)
• Get lots of rest
• Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Avoid cigarette smoke
• Gentle exercise such as walking may make you feel better
• Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain as directed on the label
• Continue taking prescribed medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel better
• Don’t take someone else’s medicine
• Practice good hand washing techniques to prevent the spread of germs

For basic first aid advice, go to the St John website
To use the online symptom checker, visit healthdirect