Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are experts in medicines. They can help you with minor health concerns and offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble, and aches and pains. They are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice 1.
During flu season, pharmacists can give you treatment advice and recommend flu remedies. They can also answer your questions on prescription and over-the-counter medicines. All pharmacies provide the following services: dispensing of NHS prescriptions, access to the repeat prescription service (with agreement from your GP), an emergency supply of medicine (subject to the decision of the pharmacist), non-prescription medicines like paracetamol, disposal of unwanted or out-of-date medicines, advice on treating minor health concerns, and healthy living
If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example, they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional 1.
It’s important to note that pharmacists play a critical role in protecting patients against seasonal influenza and influenza-related complications by advocating for and administrating influenza vaccines and by providing influenza antiviral medications in accordance with CDC’s influenza antiviral recommendations .