The Home Medicine Chest is the theme of this year's Consumer Health Information Centre's Colds and Flu Campaign. Building on the idea of the First Aid Kit that no home should be without, the Home Medicine Chest encourages responsible self-treatment by consumers of minor ailments, including colds and flu, which often strike unexpectedly and when the pharmacy is closed.

The Home Medicine Chest, reflecting the NHS Winter Planning theme, is particularly important this year because of the extended Christmas/New Year holiday period when pharmacies and GP surgeries will be closed for longer than usual. Consumers seeking advice from their pharmacist in advance of the holiday and obtaining items allowing them to self-treat minor ailments, including colds and flu, will reduce the pressure on emergency GP surgeries and A&E Departments.

Research shows that consumers are willing and interested in managing minor episodes of ill-health but one of the biggest barriers to self-treatment is a lack of sufficient knowledge. At the same time 86% of consumers agree that the pharmacist is a good source of advice about minor medical problems.(1) The Home Medicine Chest has been designed to encourage consumers to have confidence in their ability to diagnose and self-treat minor ailments.

Suggestions for inclusion in the Home Medicine Chest particularly for colds and flu include: a decongestant, cough medicine, throat lozenges/pastilles, analgesics for headaches, general cold relief products.

Home Medicine Chest items for use in treating other conditions include; an antiseptic solution for minor cuts and bruises, a mild laxative and an anti-diarhoeal for stomach upsets, oral rehydration solution, antacids for indigestion, sunscreen, calamine lotion, travel sickness pills and a thermometer.(2) For people with hayfever or allergies the Home Medicine Chest should also include an antihistamine.(2)

It is important that consumers follow a few simple guidelines when self-treating: keep the Home Medicine Chest in a secure place, out of the reach of small children, keep medicines in their original container, always read the instructions and use the correct dose, don't keep medicines that have passed their sell-by date, never share prescription medicines with other people.(2)

Notes for editors
References
1. BMRB International, May 1997
2. The NHS Home Healthcare Guide 1998 ISBN 1 85839 884 3 57-58

For further information please contact:

Karen Kelshaw
Consumer Health Information Centre
tel: 020 7421 9314
fax: 020 7421 9317
email: karen.kelshaw@pagb.co.uk

Pam Prentice
Doctor Patient Partnership
tel: 020 7383 6144
out of office hours: 0780 3399826
email: pprentice@bma.org.uk

Marianne Smith
Doctor Patient Partnership
tel 020 7383 6828
fax: 020 7383 6966
email: msmith@bma.org.u