Doctors say you can avoid GP queue if you have one of seven conditions

Millions could bypass long GP queues this winter and directly access necessary medication and advice, as doctors brace for a 'tripledemic' of cold, flu, and Covid. With an expected surge in patient numbers, individuals with seven particular health issues are being encouraged to seek advice from local pharmacists.

George Sandhu, deputy superintendent at Well Pharmacy, highlighted: "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."

Data from August indicates a backlog of over six million patients awaiting treatment, with a median wait of 14 weeks. To reduce pressure on the strained health service, England launched the Pharmacy First scheme in January, following Scotland's lead from 2020, reports the Mirror..

The initiative enables pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe treatments for seven common ailments, with over 10,000 pharmacies participating. George also noted: "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."

Here are the seven conditions you can discuss with your pharmacist:.

Ear infection

If you're experiencing difficulty hearing, pain inside the ear, or nausea, then it's possible you've developed an ear infection. Common symptoms also include those mentioned above, and in some cases, sufferers might notice a discharge leaking from the ear.

An ear infection can become widespread among individuals during winter as the chill sets in. Children, in particular, are often susceptible to these infections—perhaps due to neglecting parental advice to dress warmly.

For treating an ear infection, ear drops prescribed by a pharmacist are common, and antibiotics may be necessary if there is discharge. Additionally, it's advised not to insert cotton wool buds or fingers into your ears and consider using earplugs while swimming.

Sinusitis

If you're experiencing a reduced sense of smell or having difficulty hearing people when they converse, it's likely that you're suffering from sinusitis. Symptoms can include a blocked or runny nose, as well as a diminished sense of smell, which can occur simultaneously or over different days.

This condition is common following a cold or flu and may also result in patients presenting at a pharmacy with green or yellow mucus from their nose or a high temperature. Additional symptoms include headache, toothache, bad breath, and a feeling of pressure in your ears.

Well Pharmacy can assist, as their pharmacists can recommend medicines such as decongestant nasal sprays or drops to unblock your nose. They can also provide salt water nasal sprays to rinse out the inside of your nose.

However, if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to carry out your normal activities, it's advised to stay home and avoid contact until you recover.

Sore throat

While a sore throat can often be treated at home, some may struggle with persistent discomfort that necessitates a visit to the pharmacy. Pharmacists can suggest various methods to alleviate the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, including paracetamol or ibuprofen.

However, there are products available that could provide relief for sore throats. Medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory can help alleviate the discomfort of a sore throat.

Antibiotics may also be recommended by a professional at Well Pharmacy if they deem them necessary for treatment.#

Impetigo

Impetigo, a contagious skin infection that is not usually serious, is more common in younger children. Treatment typically improves impetigo within a few days.

The infection starts with sores and blisters which quickly burst, leaving crusty golden-brown patches on the skin. A pharmacist can prescribe treatment once they identify the condition.

Hydrogen peroxide cream would be prescribed if the impetigo is localised, and an antibiotic cream if the sores are more widespread.

Infected insect bites

Infected insect bites can still occur during winter, especially for those who travel abroad. Pharmacists can offer a variety of treatments to deal with infected insect bites, including several oral medications.

Anti-histamines, steroid creams and painkillers are available to treat any infections resulting from bites, whether at home or abroad. These treatments can alleviate itching and reduce redness from the rash, facilitating a full recovery.

Shingles

Shingles is a painful infection that typically presents with a rash; often, the first sign of infection is a tingling or painful sensation in an area of skin. This may be 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's highly likely to be shingles; if it's on both sides, it's unlikely to be shingles. The infection can last up to four weeks, but pharmacists can provide treatment to ensure the patient isn't in too much discomfort.

Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms or the risk of complications. Mild shingles might not require treatment, but more severe cases could necessitate antiviral tablets to expedite the recovery process.

These can be prescribed to various patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Painkillers and steroid tablets can also be prescribed to alleviate the pain from the infection.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) typically occurs when bacteria from faeces enters the urinary tract. This bacteria infiltrates the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body.

Women have a shorter urethra than men, making them more susceptible to UTIs as bacteria are more likely to reach their bladder or kidneys. Pharmacists can provide treatment for UTIs by offering advice on measures to help alleviate the infection and recommending the most effective painkillers.

They can also advise whether a visit to a GP is necessary based on the patient's symptoms. Preventative measures for UTIs, as suggested by pharmacists, include maintaining cleanliness and dryness in the genital area and staying well-hydrated, particularly with water, to ensure regular urination throughout the day and prevent thirst.