Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe how to treat minor illnesses myself and when it is important to seek further support.

      Key learning points

      1. Some of the signs of being unwell include physical symptoms like fever, cough and fatigue.
      2. We can use self-care techniques to treat minor illnesses.
      3. Self-care techniques include rest, hydration and over-the-counter medicines.
      4. We should seek advice from a medical professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

      Keywords

      • Symptom - a physical or mental feature that indicates a condition or disease

      • Self-care - the practice of taking action to preserve or improve a person's own health

      • Hydration - maintaining an adequate amount of water in the body to support its functions

      • Persistent - continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period

      Common misconception

      Self-diagnosis through internet searches is reliable.

      Internet searches can provide incorrect information. It's better to consult a healthcare professional.

      Teacher tip

      Showing how to navigate and get information from the NHS website could be helpful here.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which number should you call if you want advice about minor illnesses or injuries?

      999
      Correct answer: 111
      112
      911

      Q2.
      Over-the-counter medication is medication that ...

      you need a prescription for
      you can buy from any shop floor
      you can only buy from a pharmacist
      Correct answer: you can buy from a pharmacy or other healthcare section of shop

      Q3.
      Complete the sentence: If I feel very sick, I should get medical advice from a ...

      friend
      Correct answer: doctor
      teacher

      Q4.
      Which is the correct statement?

      All illnesses can be treated with self-care.
      All illnesses need medical advice.
      Correct answer: Some illnesses can be treated at home, but others need help and medication.
      All illnesses need medication to get better.

      Q5.
      Match the words to the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:nutrients,substances in food that the body needs for growth, energy and health
      Correct Answer:vitamins,nutrients in food that help you to grow, heal and fight off sickness
      Correct Answer:minerals,elements, such as calcium and iron, which are needed by the body

      Q6.
      How many portions of fruit and vegetables are you recommended to eat every day?

      Correct answer: five
      six
      seven

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Select the correct statement.

      The internet is a reliable way to diagnose all illnesses.
      Correct answer: The internet gives general health advice that may not be suitable for everyone.
      The internet is a completely unreliable source of information about health.

      Q2.
      Match the words to their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:symptom,a physical or mental feature that indicates a condition or disease
      Correct Answer:self-care,the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health
      Correct Answer:hydration,maintaining an adequate amount of water in the body for functioning
      Correct Answer:persistent,continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period

      Q3.
      Most shops will only sell over-the-counter medication to someone aged __________ or over.

      14
      Correct answer: 16
      18
      21

      Q4.
      Which of these are not self-care treatments that could help a cold?

      Correct answer: eat lots of junk food
      Correct answer: get minimal rest
      use a nasal spray with adult supervision
      stay hydrated
      take a warm shower

      Q5.
      Aches and pains could be a symptom of ...

      Correct answer: feeling unwell, like having a fever
      Correct answer: doing too much physical activity
      Correct answer: doing too little physical activity
      Correct answer: a sprained or injured muscle
      a good night's rest

      Q6.
      Complete the sentence: Fruit and vegetables with plenty of vitamins can protect the body’s cells and keep us ...

      Correct Answer: healthy

      To help you plan your 7 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Feeling unwell, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...