Everyone feels ill sometimes, whether it’s a headache, sore throat, or something more serious. It’s important to know when you can manage symptoms yourself and when you need help from a doctor or another healthcare professional. Here’s a guide to help you decide what to do when you’re not feeling well.

Pharmacists are great for quick advice on common illnesses like colds, sore throats, or headaches. They can suggest over-the-counter medicines and give you advice on managing symptoms. You don’t need an appointment to see a pharmacist, and they can often help with: 

  • Coughs and colds. 

  • Mild skin conditions like rashes or bites. 

  • Hay fever and allergies. 

  • Tummy problems like indigestion or diarrhoea. 

  • Pain relief for headaches, period pain, or muscle aches. 

  • UTIs (for people aged 16+) 

The NHS website has more information on the help pharmacists can provide. How pharmacies can help – NHS.

Your school nurse can help if you’re feeling unwell while you’re at school. They can give you advice, offer first aid, and help you figure out whether you need to see a doctor. You can talk to your school nurse if: 

  • You feel sick, dizzy, or faint at school. 

  • You have a headache or stomach ache that won’t go away. 

  • You’re feeling anxious or stressed and it’s making you feel unwell. 

  • You have any questions about your health, like puberty, periods, or infections.

NHS 111 is a free service you can call for advice if you’re feeling unwell and you’re not sure what to do. You can call 111 when: 

  • You need medical advice but it’s not an emergency. 

  • You’re not sure whether you should go to the GP or A&E. 

  • You’re feeling unwell at night or on weekends when your GP isn’t open. 

You can also visit the NHS 111 website for help. NHS 111 online.

Your GP (doctor) should be your first point of contact if you have symptoms that don’t go away or if you feel worse after a few days. You should make an appointment with your GP if: 

  • You’ve been feeling unwell for more than a week and it’s not getting better. 

  • You have a high fever that doesn’t go down, even after taking medicine. 

  • You’re in pain that’s not going away. 

  • You’re feeling dizzy, sick, or short of breath. 

  • You have any other symptoms that are unusual or that you’re worried about. 

 Find your GP: Find a GP – NHS.

When you visit your GP, there are certain rights you have depending on your age. 

From age 11–13

  • Confidentiality: At 11, your GP will usually involve your parent or guardian in decisions about your health. However, if you're worried about something and want to talk privately, your GP will listen to you. If your doctor thinks you're mature enough to understand what’s happening, they may keep things confidential unless they’re concerned about your safety. 

  • Access to information: Your parents generally still have access to your health information at this age, but if you ask for privacy and understand the situation, your GP may withhold this information from them. 

From age 13–15

  • Confidentiality: Once you turn 13, you have more rights around privacy. You can ask to see the GP without your parents present, and your doctor will assess whether you’re mature enough to make decisions about your health. If you are, they will keep the discussion confidential unless they believe you're at risk of harm. 

  • Making decisions: You can give consent for certain treatments if your doctor believes you understand the choices you’re making. This might include discussions about contraception, sexual health, and mental health support. 

  • Parents’ involvement: GPs may still suggest involving your parents, but they’ll respect your wishes if you're considered mature enough to handle your care independently. 

From age 16–17

  • Full confidentiality: At 16, you’re considered able to make most decisions about your health, and your GP must keep your information private, just as they would for an adult. You can attend appointments alone, and your GP won’t share information with your parents unless you give permission or it’s a matter of safety. 

  • Consent to treatment: You can consent to most medical treatments on your own. This includes decisions about mental health care, sexual health, and other treatments. 

  • Access to health records: You have the right to access your own health records, and your parents can only access them with your consent. 

At 18 and above 

  • Adult rights: Once you turn 18, you’re legally considered an adult. You have full control over your healthcare decisions, and your GP must keep all your medical information private unless you choose to share it. 

  • GP practice: Speak to your GP if you're unsure about your rights or want to know more about making decisions for your healthcare. 

  • NHS 111: Call for advice if you need help understanding your healthcare rights or how to access services. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • NHS Choices: Visit the NHS website for more information about young people’s rights at the GP.