Pharmacists can suggest treatments that do not need a prescription for a range of conditions. Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment. This is called Pharmacy First.
As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- sore throat (aged 5 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)
Community pharmacists can also offer advice and guidance on how to avoid triggers and how to treat your hay fever. You do not need a prescription for hay fever medicines and many treatments are available. Find out more about how local pharmacies can help.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.