TOP up your medicine cabinet and save a trip to the hospital this festive period, doctors advise.

More than half the people who turn up at public hospital emergency departments are there for minor emergencies, some of which can be treated easily at home, or by a general practitioner.

With three public holidays over the next fortnight - and with overeating common during the festive season - it is a good time for families, especially those with children or elderly people, to stock up on some common medicines.

People with chronic ailments like diabetes or asthma should also check that they have sufficient supply of suitable medicines.

FOR KIDS

Advice from Dr Peter Wong of KK Women's and Children's Hospital's emergency medicine department:

Fever: Give the child paracetamol syrup. Sponge him down with water at room temperature. Give him plenty of cool fluids and dress him in light clothes.

See a doctor if the child gets worse, is lethargic and drowsy or has difficulty breathing.

Vomiting or diarrhoea: Most children with vomiting or diarrhoea do not need medication. Give small but frequent amounts of oral rehydration solution (available at pharmacies) or other clear fluids such as barley water, rice water, diluted fruit juices and clear soups.

If your child continues to vomit, stop feeding him for 30 minutes to rest the stomach, then start over but with a smaller amount. Do not give him any solid food for eight hours. Then, feed him bland foods such as porridge, bread or crackers.

See a doctor immediately if the vomiting persists, is bloody or greenish; or if he has not urinated in the last eight hours and has no tears when he cries, as he may be dehydrated.

Runny nose and cough: No medicine is necessary for mild coughs and colds. The best cure is time.

FOR ADULTS

Advice from Dr Marcus Ong of the Singapore General Hospital's emergency department:

Fever: Most fevers are viral and last two to three days. Take two tablets of paracetamol every six to eight hours. Drink lots of water, especially if there is also diarrhoea.

Take charcoal pills or loperamide (Lomotil) for the diarrhoea. For vomiting, take metoclopramide or Maxalon.

See a doctor if fever remains high after three days, or if there is a rash, bleeding from gums and nose, or significant lethargy.

Sprains and strains: Take a pain-killer such as Panadol. Use an ice pack to bring down the swelling. Keep the limb elevated and rested.

Burns: Keep under running water for five to 10 minutes. Take pain-killer and apply a topical anti-bacterial ointment.

Bites and stings: Animal or human bites might become infectious, so consult a doctor. Similarly, stings can be very painful, so medical treatment is recommended.