How can I manage my common infection?

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A leaflet for adults aged 16 years and over

sickness

1. What are the symptoms of a common infection?

A) Eyes

Sticky eyes

B) Ears, nose and throat

Pain or soreness
Runny nose
Swollen tonsils

C) Chest

Cough
Shortness of breath
Green or yellow mucus

D) Gut

Vomiting & Diarrhoea

E) Skin

Infected blisters
Redness or swelling around a wound
Athlete’s foot (an itchy rash between the toes)

F) Genital and urinary

Passing urine more often at night
Cloudy urine
Discharge
Pain in lower tummy

coronavirus-2

2. What if I think I have coronavirus (Covid-19)?

If you think you may have COVID-19 then please visit the GOV UK website for the latest guidance and
information.

3. How can I treat a common infection?

Get plenty of rest until you feel better.

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Take pain relief if you need to (make sure you follow the instructions).

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Drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 drinks, or 2 litres) so that you pass pale-coloured urine regularly.

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For coughs, try honey and cough medicines.

For sore throats, try medicated lozenges and pain relief.

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Soothe eye infections with a clean warm or cold damp flannel.

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For an outer ear infection, apply local heat (such as a warm flannel).

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4. How long could my infection last?

Cough - 21 days
Sore throat or earache - 7 to 8 days
Common cold - 14 days
Norovirus (winter vomiting) - 2 to 3 days
Sinus infection - 14 to 21 days

5. Will my infection need antibiotics to get better?

Your body can normally fight off common infections on its own.
You do not usually need antibiotics, unless symptoms of a bacterial infection (such as a urine infection) are severe – a healthcare professional can advise you on this.
Taking antibiotics when you do not need to puts you and your family at risk.
Follow your healthcare professional’s advice on antibiotics.

Find out more about antibiotics on the Antibiotic Guardian website.

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6. How can I stop my infection from spreading?

Catch it

With a tissue (or your inner elbow)

cough

Bin it

Throw away tissues

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Kill it

By cleaning your hands

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Clean hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitiser:

before preparing and eating food after using the toilet
after touching pets or animals when leaving and arriving home

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands. If possible, keep your distance from others (2 meters or 6 feet), especially vulnerable people in your household. Do not share items that come into contact with your mouth, such as eating utensils and toothbrushes.

Do not share items that come into contact with your mouth, such as eating utensils and toothbrushes.

Keep yourself and your family up-to-date with vaccinations.

Always get winter vaccines (such as flu) if you're eligible.