The NHS is bracing itself for the winter, with millions of people expected to seek medical help in the coming months. But there are seven conditions that allow you to skip long GP queues and get treatment straight away
With health services set to become more stretched as the colder months arrive, millions could bypass lengthy GP queues and obtain the medication and advice they require.
Healthcare experts are bracing for a patient influx as we move towards the end of the year, yet for those suffering from seven particular health conditions, speaking with a local chemist could prove a faster option.
George Sandhu, deputy superintendent at Well Pharmacy, 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.”
Figures from August last year revealed more than six million people awaiting treatment, with typical delays stretching to 14 weeks. To ease pressure on the overstretched NHS, England introduced the Pharmacy First scheme in January 2024, following Scotland’s example from 2020, reports Bristol Live.
The programme enables chemists to diagnose and supply treatments for seven common ailments, with over 10,000 pharmacies across England taking part to deliver extensive coverage of the service. George emphasised the burden that GPs encounter during the chillier months, explaining: “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.”
He continued: “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.”
READ MORE: ‘Tea addict’ who drank 20 cups a day with 4 sugars sheds 6st – without ditching habitREAD MORE: This Morning’s Dr Amir Khan supported after ‘really bad’ gym confrontation
Ear infection
If you are finding it difficult to hear, experiencing discomfort within the ear and possibly feeling nauseous then it is quite possible that you’ve developed an ear infection. Additional symptoms may also include fluid leaking from the ear.
Ear infections can be extremely prevalent for many individuals during the winter as the cooler temperatures start to establish themselves, particularly in youngsters. Management of an ear infection will involve ear drops provided by a chemist and antibiotics may be prescribed if fluid is seeping from the ear.
It is also advised against inserting cotton buds or fingers into your ears. You ought to also consider wearing earplugs whilst swimming.
Sinusitis
A diminished ability to smell or difficulties with hearing might indicate you’ve developed sinusitis. Signs include a congested or streaming nose along with a weakened sense of smell and these may occur simultaneously or across separate days.
Common symptoms after a cold or flu can include green or yellow mucus from the nose, high temperature, headache, toothache, bad breath and a clogged feeling in your ears.
Pharmacists can provide advice on medicines such as decongestant nasal sprays or drops to unblock your nose. They can also offer salt water nasal sprays to rinse out the inside of your nose.
If you are running a high temperature or do not feel well enough to carry out your normal activities, it’s best to stay at home and avoid contact until you’re feeling better.
Sore throat
Many sore throats can be treated at home, but some may require a trip to the pharmacy. Pharmacists can suggest various ways to alleviate pain and discomfort, including paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory can help soothe symptoms. If necessary, antibiotics might also be prescribed.
Impetigo
This contagious skin infection is not usually serious and can affect anyone, but it’s more common in younger children. With treatment, it typically improves within a couple of days.
The infection kicks off with sores and blisters, which typically burst quickly, leaving crusty golden-brown patches on the skin. However, a pharmacist can prescribe treatment for these once they diagnose the condition.
If the infection is localised, pharmacists would recommend hydrogen peroxide cream, while an antibiotic cream would be prescribed if the sores are more widespread.
Infected insect bites
Although winter means fewer bugs in the UK, people can still suffer if they’ve been abroad and had run-ins with insects. Pharmacists offer a range of treatments to deal with infected insect bites, including various oral medicines.
These could include antihistamines, steroid creams, and painkillers. These will alleviate itching and reduce any redness from the rash, facilitating a full recovery.
Shingles
Shingles is often a painful infection that usually presents with a rash. The first sign of the infection is often a tingling or painful sensation 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 up to four weeks, but pharmacists can help treat shingles promptly to help ease the patient’s pain. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the symptoms or if there’s a risk of complications.
Mild cases of shingles may not require treatment, but for more severe instances, patients are often given antiviral tablets to hasten the recovery process. These are particularly prescribed for those with a weakened immune system.
Painkillers and steroid tablets can also be obtained from the pharmacy.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) typically occur when bacteria from faeces enter 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 it easier for bacteria to reach their bladder or kidneys. Pharmacists can provide advice on how to best treat the infection, including recommending suitable painkillers.
Patients can also be guided on when to consult a GP about their symptoms. UTIs can be prevented by following certain advice that pharmacists might offer, such as maintaining cleanliness and dryness in the genital area.
It’s also advised to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water, to ensure regular urination and prevent thirst.