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Man holding his head. Text reads: Martin developed a headache and temperature.Martin's Story

Recently, I was working from home, I developed a bad headache and sore throat. 

Luckily, I was organised and had a well-stocked medicine cabinet filled with the essentials such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, indigestion treatments, and a first aid kit containing a thermometer, plasters and bandages. 

Without leaving the house, I was able to rest and take a short course of paracetamol to control my temperature and ease my headache, along with some lozenges to sooth my sore throat. This meant that after 24 hours I felt much better and was able to get back on my feet and then continue working. 

This experience reminded me how powerful self-care can be. By taking simple steps and using over-the-counter remedies, I avoided unnecessary medical appointments and recovered quickly. 

Common Conditions You Can Often Manage at Home

Many everyday health issues can be treated safely with rest and basic medicines, including: 

  • Coughs and colds 
  • Sprains and strains 
  • Sore throat 
  • Sinusitis 
  • Earache 
  • Constipation 
  • Headache 

If you’re ever unsure about how to manage a condition, your local pharmacist is a great first point of contact. They can offer expert advice and help you choose the right treatment—no appointment needed.

For more information, visit thinkwhichservice.co.uk.

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Page last updated 5 November 2025

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