Paracetamol age restrictions: How old do you have to be to buy paracetamol?

Coronavirus cases have reached 1,950 across the UK and Boris Johnson has introduced a series of measures to decrease any further spread. Britons have been advised to work from home where possible, avoid social interaction and isolate if anyone in their household has symptoms.

Now across the UK, customers have rushed to shops to top up on essentials in case of self-isolation.

These include items like tinned goods, bread, eggs, toilet roll and medications.

Pictures of empty shelves in supermarkets have been posted on social media in recent days as Britons have stocked up on items.

Pharmacies like Boots and Superdrug have also been running out of hand sanitiser, hand wash and painkillers.

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  • Coronavirus medicine: Should you take paracetamol or ibuprofen?

How old do you have to be to buy paracetamol?

One of the things the NHS advises to take if you have coronavirus symptoms is paracetamol.

The painkiller targets aches and pains and can also help to reduce a fever.

There are no current legal restrictions on buying medications, however, some retail outlets have their own guidelines.

For example, Sainsbury’s restrictions policy is “that sales are restricted to a maximum of 2 packets of a combination of any paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen based products in a single transaction.

“Sales are also restricted to customers aged 16 and over.”

Tesco’s guidelines for buying medication is customers must be 16 or over, but they operate a think 25 policy.

This means if you look younger than 25, you will be asked for proof of age, such as photographic ID like a driving license or passport.

In short, it will depend on which store you visit to buy your pain relief as to whether an age restriction is in place.

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  • Coronavirus medicine: Should you take paracetamol or ibuprofen?

NHS coronavirus advice

Stay at home if you have either:

  • a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
  • a new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.

  • if you have symptoms, stay at home for 7 days
  • if you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms

The NHS advises you can treat symptoms with paracetamol, and drinking lots of water.

If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.

If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

Only use the NHS 111 online service if you cannot cope with your symptoms, if your condition gets worse or if after seven days your symptoms have not improved.

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

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