See full list of conditions that allow you to skip long GP queues amid 'tripledemic'

Amid the rising alarm over an impending 'tripledemic' of, millions could bypass this winter by seeking advice and necessary medications from pharmacists.

Doctors and hospital staff are bracing for a surge of patients as approaches but those suffering from one of seven common health conditions might avoid the frustration of waiting to speak to a GP. Data from August show more than six million patients languishing in treatment backlogs, with wait times stretching to 14 weeks, reported.

To mitigate pressure on the stretched healthcare system, England launched the Pharmacy First scheme earlier this year. Its Scottish counterpart has been operational since 2020. Well Pharmacy's deputy superintendent George Sandhu said: "Now the cold nights are upon us, to help both yourself, and the , it is worth being aware of these seven conditions you can speak to your local pharmacist about, just as easily or potentially even easier than getting an appointment to see your GP.

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"In the winter GPs will face a vast amount of people seeking help for their sniffles and sore throats. People might be unaware that through the Pharmacy First service we are able to treat them directly at the point of contact in the pharmacy. There is no need to phone up for a GP appointment, if suffering from any of the seven ailments visit your local Pharmacy and speak with our team who will help find the right course of treatment for you."

This initiative authorises pharmacists to assess and prescribe treatments for seven widespread ailments. More than 10,000 English pharmacies have joined the Pharmacy First service, assuring comprehensive access across regions.

The seven conditions you can speak to your pharmacist about are:

Ear infection

If you have difficulty hearing, pain inside the ear and are being sick then it may be likely you've got an ear infection. Symptoms of an ear infection include all of the above whilst other people might experience a discharge running out of the ear. An ear infection can be very common for lots of people throughout the winter as the colder temperatures begin to take hold.

Children in particular seem to fall victim to these infections perhaps due to not heeding their parents advice to wrap up warm. Treatment for an ear infection will include ear drops given by a pharmacist and antibiotics can be given if discharge is running out of the ear. It is also recommended not to stick cotton wool buds or fingers into your ears and to try and use earplugs when swimming."

Sinusitis

If you're struggling to smell your favourite scents or finding it hard to hear people when they chat, it's likely you've got a case of sinusitis. Symptoms can include a blocked or runny nose and a reduced sense of smell, which can appear simultaneously or over several days.

This ailment is common after a cold or flu and could also see patients turning up at the pharmacy with green or yellow mucus from their nose or a high temperature. Other symptoms include , toothaches, bad breath, and a feeling of pressure in your ears.

Well Pharmacy can help - their pharmacists can recommend medicines like decongestant nasal sprays or drops to unblock your nose. They can also provide salt water nasal sprays that rinse out the inside of your nose.

It's important to remember that if you have a high temperature or don't feel well enough to carry on with your normal activities, try to stay home and avoid contact until you feel better.

Sore throat

While a can often be treated at home, some might struggle with one that won't go away and may need a trip to the pharmacy. Pharmacists can offer various ways to ease the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, including paracetamol or ibuprofen.

However, there are products available to provide relief for sore throats. Medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory can help alleviate the discomfort of a sore throat.

Antibiotics may also be recommended by a professional at Well Pharmacy if they deem them necessary for treatment.

Impetigo

A contagious skin infection that is common in young children but not usually serious, can be treated effectively within a few days. The infection starts with sores and blisters which quickly burst, leaving crusty golden-brown patches on the skin. A pharmacist can prescribe treatment once they diagnose the condition.

Hydrogen peroxide cream would be prescribed if the impetigo is localised, and an antibiotic cream if the sores are more widespread.

Infected insect bites

These can still occur during winter, especially for those travelling abroad. Pharmacists can offer a range of treatments to deal with infected insect bites, including various oral medications.

Anti-histamines, steroid creams and painkillers are the recommended treatments for infections resulting from bites, whether at home or abroad. These treatments can alleviate itching and reduce redness from rashes, facilitating a full recovery.

Shingles

This is a painful infection that typically manifests as a rash; the first sign of infection is often a tingling or painful sensation in an area of skin. This may be accompanied by a headache or general malaise, with the rash appearing a few days later.

If the rash only appears on one side of your body, it's likely to be shingles; if it's on both sides, it's probably not. The infection can last up to four weeks, but pharmacists can provide treatment to alleviate the patient's discomfort quickly.

Treatment varies depending on the severity of the symptoms or the risk of complications. Mild shingles might not require treatment, but more severe cases could necessitate antiviral tablets to expedite the recovery process.

These can be prescribed to various patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Painkillers and steroid tablets can also be prescribed to relieve pain from the infection.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) typically occurs when bacteria from faeces infiltrate the urinary tract. This bacteria enters the urethra, the tube responsible for expelling urine from the body.

Women, having a shorter urethra than men, are more susceptible to these bacteria reaching their bladder or kidneys. Pharmacists can provide treatment for UTIs by offering advice on measures to aid recovery and recommending the most effective painkillers.

They can also advise whether a visit to a GP is necessary based on the patient's symptoms. Preventative measures for UTIs, as suggested by pharmacists, include maintaining cleanliness and dryness in the genital area.

Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to ensure frequent urination throughout the day and prevent thirst, is another recommended practice.