Between October and March our counter gets busy with the same handful of complaints. Most of them can be assessed and managed in the pharmacy on the day, without a wait for a GP appointment.
What we can help with straight away
- Coughs, colds, blocked noses and sore throats
- Fever management in adults and children
- Aches, headaches and muscle pain
- Hay fever and other allergy symptoms out of season
- Choosing between products when the shelf is confusing
Getting the dose right
Many cold and flu remedies already contain paracetamol. Taking one alongside separate paracetamol tablets is a common accidental overdose. Bring the box or a photo of the label and we will check it with you before you buy anything else.
Signs that need more than a pharmacy visit
Some symptoms should not wait. Breathlessness at rest, chest pain, confusion, a rash that does not fade under pressure, a fever in a baby under three months, or symptoms that keep getting worse after a week all need medical assessment. We will tell you plainly if that is the case and help you get to the right service.
You do not need an appointment to ask a pharmacist a question. Walking in and describing the symptoms is enough to start.
Prevention through the colder months
Vaccination, warm homes, hand washing and staying on top of long term conditions do most of the heavy lifting. If you have asthma or a heart condition, make sure your inhalers and repeat medicines are in date and stocked before winter starts rather than during the first cold snap.
Looking after older relatives
Check that repeat prescriptions are being ordered, that medicines are stored somewhere sensible and that any leftovers from last winter have not expired. We are happy to review a bag of medicines with you and remove anything that should no longer be taken.
Talk to the team
Our pharmacist is in every day we are open. Come in, call us, or ask at the counter for a private conversation if you would rather not discuss symptoms in front of other customers.
