All the illnesses pharmacists can treat without you needing to see GP

Getting an appointment with a GP during flu season can feel impossible – and managing to fit it in your schedule can be even more difficult.

If you’re looking to avoid a trip to your local doctor but are still worried about your health, there are an array of illnesses that your local pharmacist can treat.

That means no phone queues, no waiting rooms, just getting your illness sorted out quickly.

An NHS deal earlier this year means people will be able to visit high street pharmacies to receive treatment for seven conditions, freeing up time for doctors.

The £645 million deal with NHS England means more than 10,000 community pharmacies – nine in 10 – will allow walk-in consultations without the need to book to seek treatment for a wider range of illnesses.

It’s hoped the move will make it easier for people to access care, and free up 10 million GP appointments every year.

Which illnesses can I have treated in a pharmacy?

• Infected insect bites and stings
• Ear ache
• Sore throats
• Sinusitis
• Shingles
• Impetigo
• Urinary tract infections

There are some stipulations, however.

To be treated for Sinusitis, you must be over the age of 12.

For a sore throat, patients need to be above the age of five. For ear aches, only those between the ages of one and 17 will be able to get treatment.

Infected insect bites are able to be treated for anyone over the age of one. Impetigo and shingles can be addressed for those over the age of 18.

And ‘uncomplicated’ urinary tract infections can be treated for women between the ages of 16 and 64.

The move is sure to free up time for NHS doctors as the UK heads into peak flu season.

To avoid your cold or flu getting worse, Metro spoke to a pharmacist for six tips on how to recover from a cold quickly.

But if your cold just won’t budge, it’s recommended you see a GP.

You should see your GP if:  

• Your symptoms persist for more than three weeks  
• Your symptoms get suddenly worse  
• You have breathing difficulties  
• You develop complications of a cold such as chest pain or coughing up blood-stained mucus  

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