It was reported in the Mirror that amid the alarm over an impending ‘tripledemic’ of colds, flu and Covid, millions could bypass lengthy GP queues this winter by seeking advice and necessary medications from pharmacists. It has also been reported that Respiratory Syncytial (RSV) could make it a quad-demic.
The Mirror reported that the Pharmacy First scheme unveiled earlier this year, will help people to get treatment without having to go to a GP and take pressure off the NHS. Consequently, there are seven conditions you can speak to your pharmacist about:
Ear infection
If you have pain inside the ear, have difficulty hearing and are being sick then it may be likely you’ve got an ear infection. Symptoms of an ear infection are said to include. “all of the above whilst 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.!
It is noted that children seem to be particularly liable to falling victim to these infections perhaps due to not heeding their parents advice to wrap up warm. Treatment for an ear infection 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’re finding it hard to hear people when they chat or smell favourite scents, it’s likely you’ve got a case of sinusitis. Symptoms are said to include “a blocked or runny nose and a reduced sense of smell, which can appear simultaneously or over several days.
This ailment is common after a cold or flu and could also see patients turning up at the pharmacy with green or yellow mucus from their nose or a high temperature. Other symptoms include headaches, toothaches, bad breath, and a feeling of pressure in your ears.”
It was noted in the Mirror that Well Pharmacy can help as their pharmacists can “recommend medicines like decongestant nasal sprays or drops to unblock your nose. They can also provide salt water nasal sprays that rinse out the inside of your nose.”
It was also noted that it is important to remember that if you don’t feel well enough to carry out your normal activities, try to stay home and avoid contact until you feel better.
Sore throat
The Mirror stated that pharmacists can offer various ways to ease the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, including ibuprofen or paracetamol.
There are numerous products available to provide relief for sore throats. Medicated lozenges can help alleviate the discomfort of a sore throat as they contain a local anaesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory.
A professional at Well Pharmacy may also prescribe antibiotics, if they deem them necessary for treatment.
Impetigo
This is a contagious skin infection that, can be treated effectively within a few days. It is common in young children but not usually serious. It was said that “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 diagnose 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
Pharmacists can offer a range of treatments to deal with infected insect bites, including various oral medications. These include anti-histamines, steroid creams and painkillers and these are the recommended treatments for infections resulting from bites, whether at home or abroad. These treatments can “alleviate itching and reduce redness from rashes, facilitating a full recovery”.
Shingles
This is a painful infection that typically manifests as a rash. It is noted that the first sign of infection is often a painful or tingling sensation in an area of skin. This may then, “be accompanied by a headache or general malaise, with the rash appearing a few days later.”
It’s likely to be shingles, if the rash only appears on one side of your body. If it’s on both sides, it’s probably not. Pharmacists can provide treatment to alleviate the patient’s discomfort quickly, although the infection can last up to four weeks.
Treatment varies “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 relieve pain from the infection”.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) usually occurs when bacteria from faeces infiltrate the urinary tract. This bacteria enters the urethra, which is the tube responsible for expelling urine from the body.
Women are more susceptible to these bacteria reaching their bladder or kidneys as they have a shorter urethra than men. Pharmacists can “provide treatment for UTIs by offering advice on measures to aid recovery 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”.
It is important to ensure frequent urination throughout the day, by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water and prevent thirst.
