What is a minor health problem?
A minor health problem is a short-term issue that’s not serious. The range of minor problems is huge – from persistent coughs to sports injuries, aches and pains, allergies, rashes and infections.
Lara doesn’t usually get ill and some things, like a rash she had, just go away by themselves. She has a general check-up about once a year.
A lot of minor health issues get better by themselves and have no long-term harmful effect on a person’s health. Young people who are still learning about their health might not always know this, though, or whether they need to see a doctor.
​
For example: Many infections, like colds and flu, and many ear and chest infections, are caused by viruses, which means that antibiotics won’t work. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, so these sorts of health problems often get better by themselves.
​
Minor health problems can often be sorted by using over-the-counter treatments from the chemist. Other issues that aren’t serious can often be dealt with by seeing a practice nurse at the GP surgery.