Seven conditions that could mean you can skip NHS queues and go straight to pharmacist

As warnings of a 'tripledemic' of cold, flu and Covid this winter loom, millions could bypass the GP queue and directly access advice and medication for seven common health conditions. With doctors and hospital staff bracing for a surge in patients before Christmas, those affected by these ailments might avoid the hassle of long waits to see a specialist.

George Sandhu, Well Pharmacy's deputy superintendent, said: "Now that the cold nights are already upon us, to help both yourself, and the NHS, it is worth being aware of these seven conditions that you can speak to your local pharmacist about, just as easily or potentially even easier than getting an appointment to see your GP."

With over six million patients on the waiting list for treatment as of August, and a median wait of 14 weeks, the Pharmacy First scheme - launched in England in January following Scotland's lead from 2020 - aims to relieve pressure on the strained health service. This initiative allows pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe for these conditions, with more than 10,000 pharmacies across England participating in the Pharmacy First service, ensuring widespread availability.

George added: "In the winter GP's will face a vast amount of people seeking help for their sniffles and sore throats. People might be unaware that through the Pharmacy First service we are able to treat them directly at the point of contact in the pharmacy."

"There is no need to phone up for a GP appointment, if suffering from any of the seven ailments visit your local Pharmacy and speak with our team who will help find the right course of treatment for you.", reports the Daily Record.

The seven conditions you can speak to your pharmacist about are:

Ear infection

If you have difficulty hearing, pain inside the ear, and are being sick then it may be likely that you've got an ear infection. Symptoms of an ear infection include all of the above while other people might experience a discharge running out of the ear.

An ear infection can be very common for lots of people throughout the winter as the colder temperatures begin to take hold. Children in particular seem to fall victim to these infections perhaps due to not heeding their parents' advice to wrap up warm.

Treatment for an ear infection will include ear drops given by a pharmacist and antibiotics can be given if discharge is running out of the ear. It is also recommended not to stick cotton wool buds or fingers into your ears and to try and use earplugs when swimming.

Sinusitis

If you notice a reduced sense of smell or are struggling to be able to hear people when they are talking to you, it is most likely that you've got a bout of sinusitis. Symptoms can include a blocked or runny nose as well as a reduced sense of smell and can present at the same time or over different days.

The ailment can often follow a cold or flu and could also see patients present at a pharmacy with green or yellow mucus from their nose or a high temperature. Other symptoms include headache, toothache, bad breath, and a clogged feeling of pressure in your ears.

Well Pharmacy is equipped to help, with pharmacists on hand to advise about medicines such as decongestant nasal sprays or drops aimed at unblocking your nose. They can also provide salt water nasal sprays that rinse out the inside of your nose.

It's crucial to remember that if you have a high temperature or don't feel well enough to carry out your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact until you feel better.

Shingles

Shingles can be a painful infection which usually presents with a rash. The first sign of infection will typically be a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, often accompanied by a headache or general malaise, with the rash appearing a few days later.

If the rash only appears on one side of your body, it is very likely to be shingles; however, if both sides have a rash, it is unlikely to be shingles. The infection can last for up to four weeks, but pharmacists can help treat shingles quickly to ensure that the patient isn't in too much pain.

Treatment for patients will vary depending on the severity of symptoms or the risk of complications. Mild shingles might not require treatment, but more severe cases could see patients offered antiviral tablets to speed up recovery.

These can be given to a variety of patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Painkillers and steroid tablets can also be prescribed at the pharmacy to alleviate pain from the infection.

Sore throat

While a sore throat can often be treated at home, some may struggle with persistent symptoms that might necessitate a visit to the pharmacy. Pharmacists can offer various ways to relieve the discomfort of a sore throat, including paracetamol or ibuprofen.

However, there are other products that could provide relief, such as medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory. Antibiotics might also be recommended by an expert at Well Pharmacy if they believe they are necessary for treatment.

Impetigo

Impetigo, a contagious skin infection, is not usually serious and is more common in younger children. Treatment typically improves impetigo within a few days, and the infection begins with sores and blisters.

The sores will quickly burst and leave crusty golden-brown patches on the surface of the skin. However, a pharmacist can prescribe treatment once they identify the condition.

Pharmacists would prescribe hydrogen peroxide cream if the impetigo is in one area, and an antibiotic cream if the sores are more widespread.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused when bacteria from faeces enters the urinary tract.

This bacteria enters the urethra which is the tube that transports urine out of the body. Women have a shorter urethra than men and this means that bacteria are more likely to reach their bladder or kidneys than in men.

Pharmacists can treat UTIs through offering advice to patients on things that can help the infection get better and the best painkillers to be taken. A patient would also be advised by the pharmacist whether they should seek to visit a GP about their symptoms.

UTIs are prevented by following some advice that pharmacists could offer including keeping the genital area clean and dry. Another suggestion would be to drink plenty of fluids particularly water so that you regularly pee during the day and do not feel thirsty.

Infected insect bites

While winter sees a significant decrease in the number of creepy crawlies in the UK, holidaymakers could still encounter some serious insect bites. Pharmacists offer a range of treatments to deal with infected insect bites, including oral medicines.

Options include anti-histamines, steroid creams and painkillers to rid patients of any infections from bites, whether at home or abroad. These treatments will alleviate itching and reduce any redness from rashes, facilitating a full recovery.