ALTERNATIVE THERAPY: Your local pharmacist can help if you’re in need of certain prescribed medications (Image: Getty)
People experiencing any of seven health conditions needn’t wait for a GP appointment. Treatment for specific ailments is readily available from your neighbourhood pharmacist.
Securing a GP appointment can, at times, be challenging, particularly as the cold and flu season commences. Fortunately, alternative avenues exist to obtain the assistance you require.
Via social media platform X, the NHS reminded the public to consult a pharmacist regarding ‘minor illnesses.’ The health service stated: “If you’re feeling under the weather, your local pharmacist can help with minor illnesses such as sore throats, coughs and colds. No appointment needed, just pop in and get expert advice and treatment.”
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The NHS website provided further details about how pharmacists can assist. “Pharmacists can offer advice on a range of illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and aches and pains,” it explained.
“They can also give advice about medicines. This includes how to use your medicine, worries about side effects or any other questions you have. If they cannot help you themselves, they can refer you to a GP or other health professional.”
Ailments pharmacists can address
The NHS states that pharmacists can recommend treatments requiring no prescription for numerous conditions, reports the Mirror.
It continued: “Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment. This is called Pharmacy First.”
The NHS has outlined the conditions under which pharmacists can prescribe medication:
Earache (aged one to 17 years)Impetigo (aged one year and over)Infected insect bites (aged one year and over)Shingles (aged 18 years and over)Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)Sore throat (aged five years and over)Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
The health service stated: “If you are not within these age ranges, a pharmacist can still offer advice and support decisions about self-care treatment with over-the-counter medicines, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.
“If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or other health professional if needed. They will also update your GP health record, but your information will not be shared with anyone else.”
While most pharmacies have the ability to provide prescription medicine for these conditions, it is advised to contact them prior to your visit to confirm.
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