At this time of year, illnesses can strike when it’s least convenient. With exams looming you don’t have time to wait three weeks for a doctors’ appointment, so what do you do? You may not know it but there are many other options you can turn to when you’re ill.
Here at Aberdeen University we’ve all experienced the annoyance of when you’re ill and you can’t get an appointment at your local practice for WEEKS. The facility is overstretched with thousands of students as well as the general public and it can often be tricky to get seen by your doctor when you actually need to be seen. It can be even more frustrating when you get ill around exam or deadline time, which we all know is just not ideal. It is very common to see someone sniffling away in the library or hear of people who have picked up viruses and infections from completely tiring their body out from studying. So this term it’s time to tackle those niggly little sore throats and irritating sniffles – and here at HC we have the answer.
First of all, our advice here at HC is to make sure you are still sleeping enough (no 24 hours seshes in the library no matter it’s opening hours!), drink enough water, as well as trying not to binge out too much on crappy (but convenient) food. We totally understand that it’s hard during exam times, but you want to keep your body and brain in top nick for the up-coming brain games. If you do get ill though, it is important to know the right person to turn to so that a) you get seen and better as soon as possible and b) you don’t clog up much needed emergency services with a minor illness (no matter how much of an emergency a cold feels to you!).
Most people think that their only options when they are ill are the doctors’ practice and A&E, but there are a range of other healthcare services which may be more tailored to your tummy ache and will mean you’re seen far sooner. Here at HC we want to make sure you’re aware of all your options. These options also include the walk in minor injuries unit, NHS 24 (who can get you seen by an out-of-hours doctor) and your local pharmacy – many of which are also open when illness strikes at the weekend and the doctors’ practice isn’t open. The NHS Grampian website at www.know-who-to-turn-to.com explains which service to turn to when you have a specific illness and is a great when you’re feeling a little helpless and confused with your options. It’s also far more reliable that a good old Google of your symptoms which usually comes out saying you’re dying…
At Aberdeen University we’re lucky enough to have two doctors’ surgeries and three pharmacies just outside of campus, as well as only being a short bus ride away from Forresterhill hospital. So make the most of your other healthcare options and leave the emergency appointments and the accident and emergency departments to those who really need them!
Get better all you sickly little souls and smash these exams illness free!