There are different options available rather than visiting a GP and getting a prescription. These include:

• Keep a selection of medicines at home to treat symptoms without delay especially pain relief.
• Visit a pharmacy first before making a GP appointment as a pharmacist can advise you on how long symptoms last and will recommend medication to relieve symptoms.
• If symptoms have not improved or you start to feel worse contact a GP or call 111 (remember, A&E and 999 should only be used for emergencies).

Please help our NHS to use resources sensibly and always choose self-care and pharmacy first for the treatment of common minor health conditions.

Common winter health conditions which can be treated with over the counter medicines include:

• Coughs/colds
• Sore throats
• Nasal congestion
• Minor fever
  
  

For more information on how your pharmacy can help you visit here. You can find out more about self care on the NHS website at Live Well – NHS

Videos

Below is a series of videos explaining how pharmacists can support you with over the counter medicines to treat a range of minor health conditions. 

• This video advises on buying over the counter medicine to stay well and healthy and the type of medicines you can purchase: https://youtu.be/BsZPJZJUfCQ
• This video explains how patients may not be able to get a prescription from a GP to stay well but there are alternative ways to get treatment such as purchasing over the counter medicines which can treat many common illnesses: https://youtu.be/KWkOoJeE3N0
• This video explains common health conditions you may get this winter but you might not get a prescription to treat them, instead you will need to buy over the counter medicines to stay healthy: https://youtu.be/t71xb4isMYk
• This NHS video explains how you might not prescription from a GP to help treat a common illness. However, you can buy over the counter medicines from a pharmacy to help treat many common illnesses:  https://youtu.be/o3JB4DSvZgs