With warnings of a ‘tripledemic’ of cold, flu and Covid this winter, millions could sidestep lengthy GP queues and access the medication and guidance they need. Medical professionals are preparing for a surge in patients as Christmas approaches, yet for those affected by seven specific health issues, consulting with a local pharmacist could be a quicker alternative.
George Sandhu, deputy superintendent at Well Pharmacy, advised: “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 showed more than six million people in line for treatment, with average waits lasting 14 weeks. To lessen the burden on the strained NHS, England launched the Pharmacy First scheme in January, following Scotland’s lead from 2020.
The initiative allows pharmacists to diagnose and provide treatments for seven prevalent conditions, with over 10,000 pharmacies in England participating to offer widespread access to the service.
George highlighted the pressures that GPs face during the colder months, stating: “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.” reports Gloucestershire Live.
He added: “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.”
Ear infection
If you are struggling to hear, have pain inside the ear and potentially being sick then it may be likely that you’ve got an ear infection. Other symptoms can also include a discharge running out of the ear.
Ear infections can be very common for lots of people throughout the winter as the colder temperatures begin to take hold, especially in children. 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. You shoud also try to use earplugs when swimming.
Sinusitis
A reduced sense of smell or problems hearing could mean you’ve got sinusitis. Symptoms include a blocked or runny rose as well as a reduced sense of smell and these can be at the same time or over different days.
It can be common after a cold or flu and can include green or yellow mucus from the nose or a high temperature. Other symptoms include headache, toothache and bad breath as well as a clogged feeling of pressure in your ears.
Pharmacists can advise about medicines that will help such as a decongestant nasal spray or drops which aim to unblock your nose. They can also provide salt water nasal sprays that rinse out the inside of your nose.
If you have a high temperature or don’t feel well enough to do your normal activities then try to stay at home and avoid contact until you feel better.
Sore Throat
Many sore throats can be cured at home, but some could require a visit to the pharmacy. Pharmacists will offer a variety of ways to relieve pain and discomfort including paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory can help ease symptoms. Antibiotics might also be prescribed if it is believed that they are necessary.
Impetigo
This contagious skin infection is not usually serious and anyone can get it but it is more common in younger children. With treatment it usually improves within a couple of days.
The infection begins with sores and blisters. These usually quickly burst and leave crusty golden-brown patches on the surface of the skin however a pharmacist can prescribe treatment for these once they identify the condition. Pharmacists would prescribe hydrogen peroxide cream if the infection is in one area, and an antibiotic cream if the sores are more widespread.
Infected insect bites
Winter means there are less creepy crawlies around in the UK but people can still end up suffering if they have been on holiday and fallen foul of insects. Pharmacists would offer a variety of treatments in order to deal with the infected insect bites via a number of oral medicines.
These can include anti-histamines, steroid creams and painkillers. They will relieve itching as well as bringing down any redness from the rash to enable for a full recovery.
Shingles
Shingles are an often painful infection which often shows with a rash. The first sign of the infection is often a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, sometimes accompanied by a headache or feeling generally unwell with the rash appearing a few days later.
The infection can last for up to four weeks but pharmacists can help treat shingles quickly to help reduce the pain for the patient. Treatments vary depending on how severe the symptoms are or if there is a risk of a complication.
Mild shingles might require no treatment but more severe cases will see patients offered antiviral tablets to help speed up the recovery process. These are given in particular to those with a weakened immune system. Painkillers and steroid tablets can also be prescribed at the pharmacy.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is 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. Pharmacists can treat these through advice to patients on things that can help treat the infection the best painkillers to be taken.
Patients can also be advised on when to 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.
It is also recommended that you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, particularly water, so that you regularly pee during the day and do not feel thirsty.