There are other ways to get prescription medication for specific conditions.
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
06:33, 01 Oct 2025
Pharmacists are able to provide prescription medication for seven conditions(Image: Getty)
Britons suffering from any of seven health issues need not wait for a GP appointment. Treatment for certain conditions is also available from your local pharmacist.
With the NHS under increasing strain, securing a GP appointment can be challenging, particularly as we enter the cold and flu season. Fortunately, there are alternative avenues to seek the help you require.
The NHS recently took to social media platform X to remind individuals to consult a pharmacist for “minor illnesses”. It said: “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.” Further details about how pharmacists can assist were provided on the NHS website.
The NHS reminded people to speak to a pharmacist about “minor illnesses”(Image: Getty)
“Pharmacists can offer advice on a range of illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and aches and pains,” it said. “They can also give advice about medicines.
“If you’re feeling under the weather, your local pharmacist can help with minor illnesses such as sore throats, coughs and colds. This includes how to use your medicine, concerns 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. “
Pharmacists can offer advice on a range of illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and aches and pains(Image: getty)Conditions pharmacists can treat
According to the NHS, pharmacists can recommend treatments that do not require a prescription for a variety of conditions. It further added: “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. “
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Conditions pharmacists can offer prescription medicine for are:
Impetigo (aged one year and over)Infected insect bites (aged one year and over)Earache (aged one to 17 years)Sore throat (aged five years and over)Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
The NHS said: “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.”
Although most pharmacies can provide prescription medicine for these conditions, you should contact them before visiting to check.