Minor illnesses and injuries can be treated at home with rest, simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and basic first aid.

A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help you and your family to get the best treatment as soon as possible for a range of common illnesses, such as colds and flu.

If you are unsure, or you have questions about what you can have at home to treat you and your family, visit your local pharmacist for free, effective advice and support.

Common ailments can typically last for between one and three weeks – for example, a sore throat can last one week; a cold one-and-a-half weeks; and a cough three weeks.