If you were ill, would you know who to turn to? Choose the right option for your condition. 

'When you're ill, know who to turn to' outlines the eight options available when you need medical assistance, alongside a list of symptoms that could be appropriately dealt with by each option. These include:

• Self care:
  for minor illness or injury you can deal with yourself, such as hangover, grazed knee, sore throat, coughs and colds
• Pharmacist:
  for expert advice or information on medicines and healthcare, including the Minor Ailment Service.  Examples of minor ailments include coughs and colds, indigestion, constipation, aches and pains
• Dentist:
  for regular check-ups, routine treatment and emergency care
• Optometrist (optician):
  for any eye problems including blurred vision, difficulty seeing well or discomfort - red eyes, irritated eyes
• Family doctor:
  when your illness or injury just won't go away make an appointment to see your GP who can provide  advice and information about conditions such as vomiting, ear pain, sore belly, backache
• NHS out-of-hours service:
  Turn to your NHS out of hours service when you are too ill to wait until your GP or dental surgery is open. Call NHS 24 on 111, the new number for NHS 24
• Minor injuries service:
  if you require urgent care for a minor injury such as cuts, minor burns, sprains
• Accident and emergency:
  Turn to 999 or your hospital's A&E department only for serious illness or accidents such as suspected stroke, heart attack, head injuries, fracture or wounds requiring stitches

For information on symptoms and minor illnesses please visit the NHS24 Self Help guide.

Further information can be found on the Patient.co.uk website.