4 Things You Can See a Pharmacist For

A lot of people may not know that you can see a pharmacist for things that you may have thought you could only see a GP for. Pharmacists have been specially trained to give advice on many common ailments and illnesses as well as giving vaccinations. Next time, before you book a GP appointment, see what your pharmacist can help you with.

Minor Ailments

Pharmacists can recognize minor ailments such as eye infections, fevers, coughs and colds and indigestion. They can offer over the counter medications that may help your condition, without the need to wait for your GP to have an available appointment. If they cannot help, they can then refer you to your GP. Remedypharmacist.com also has some great advice on common minor ailments, especially in the winter season if you wish to seek advice online first.

Flu Vaccinations

The seasonal flu vaccine can protect you against influenza, which is a serious disease if untreated. There are flu shots for those in different age groups, and those over 65 years of age, expectant mothers and children are the most encouraged to have this vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine takes a couple of minutes and is a very simple procedure that any pharmacist can carry out for you.

Emergency Contraception

A pharmacist can happily help with the need for emergency contraception. This means you can get it faster than waiting for your appointment at a GP, and they can offer advice and a free consultation. There are different emergency contraception out there depending on how many days have passed since your last period, so you must be honest in what you are telling the pharmacist. Remember, they are health-care professionals, they are there to help you, not to judge.

Lifestyle Advice

Pharmacists can help with lots of advice including healthy living, quitting smoking and travel advice. Pharmacists can help you quit smoking and refer you to a stop smoking service if you so wish. Whether you just want to talk about it and get advice or you are ready to stop, pharmacists can help give you unbiased advice and support. There are also online sites, like Rolling Paper, that can help with general tips and lifestyle advice as well and all in the comfort of your home or office.

If you are looking to travel and you are unsure if you need any vaccinations or malaria tablets, talk to your local pharmacist. They can recommend what is needed depending on the area you wish to visit. Another excellent thing that pharmacists can help with is healthy lifestyle advice. They may offer health checks to check how your blood pressure is, or how at risk you are of certain conditions such as type 2 diabetes, and how to reduce these risks.

Pharmacists can help you with much more than most people are aware of and save the need for having to visit your GP and wait for an appointment. Pharmacists are well-trained in these areas and will help you in any way that they can. If you are struggling with any of the above, pop down to your local pharmacist or use an online pharmacy service to chat with a pharmacist 24/7 and seek advice now.