Getting Medical Advice

NHS Direct offers healthcare advice over the telephone or Internet. Going online in the first instance may be quicker than using the telephone, and you will still be put through to a qualified nurse. You'll be asked a set of questions about symptoms, then advised on how to treat the condition at home, or advised to see your doctor.

Childhood Illnesses

Many common childhood conditions disappear by themselves over a few days, without needing medical intervention. Call a doctor if:

• you suspect meningitis - this disease is uncommon, but symptoms include vomiting, headache, sensitivity to light, a rash that does not disappear when pressed, and wanting to lie down undisturbed
• a child has persistent abdominal pain with vomiting, which could indicate appendicitis