People with these minor conditions could get prescriptions without a GP

As the cold and flu season approaches, securingGP appointments may become increasingly challenging to navigate. However, the NHSis urging people with particular ailmentsto visit their local pharmacy directly rather than getting stuck in lengthy waiting lists.

Pharmacists are qualified medical experts who can provide guidance, certain referrals and supply not only over-the-counter remedies but also specific prescription medications for minor ailments without requiring a GP consultation first.

Conditions pharmacists can offer prescription medicine for are:

• Impetigo (aged one year and over)
• Infected insect bites (aged one year and over)
• Earache (aged one to 17 years)
• Sore throat (aged five years and over)
• Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
• Shingles (aged 18 years and over)

Should you or your child be dealing with these ailments but fall outside the specified age brackets, you may still find it worthwhile consulting your local pharmacist, though they probably will not be able to provide prescription items for it.

The NHS clarified: "If you are not within these age ranges, a pharmacist can still offer advice and support decisions about self care treatment with over the counter medicines, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.

"If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or other health professional if needed.

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"They will also update your GP health record, but your information will not be shared with anyone else. Most pharmacies can provide prescription medicine for these conditions but contact them before visiting to check."

Pharmacists can also offer guidance and over-the-counter recommendations for other typical winter ailments. This encompasses cold and flu signs such as coughs, blocked sinuses, painful throats, streaming noses and temperature.

They can also supply certain treatments for minor allergic reactions, aches, pains and stomach problems like acid reflux or loose bowels. Everyday skin complaints are also within their scope including small rashes, bug bites and sun damage to slight infections, wounds, grazes and bruising.

Contraceptive tablets, guidance and emergency contraception can typically be supplied by chemists without needing to visit a GP initially. Pharmacies can also conduct health screenings and immunisations that would normally take place at your neighbourhood GP practice such as blood pressure, cholesterol or glucose monitoring and holiday jabs.

Beyond addressing minor ailments, neighbourhood pharmacies offer a variety of services including disposing of unwanted or expired medicines, guidance on quitting smoking, the drug misuse programme and weight control advice.