Preparing for your holiday or day out is exciting, but as well as packing your bucket, spade and umbrella, please take a moment to think about your health needs too. Do you take regular medication? If so, have you enough to last for the duration of your holiday? Do you need to order extra medication to take with you?
Sun cream with a high UV factor is essential even during the British summer, as on cloudy days the UV rays can get through to your skin and cause damage. Please ensure you have a high SPF sun cream and apply it regularly.
Summer illnesses such as sunburn or dehydration can be prevented by applying sun cream, drinking plenty of water and seeking shade. If you feel unwell whilst you’re away from home, please think Pharmacy First.
Available without an appointment, the Pharmacy First service provides expert healthcare advice and treatment from trusted pharmacists.
Under the scheme, people of all ages can receive fast NHS treatment for conditions which don’t require a GP or hospital visit, including:
- Sinusitis (aged 12+) – blocked nose, headaches, facial pain
- Sore throat (aged 5+) – pain, swelling, difficulty swallowing
- Ear infections (aged 1-17) – ear pain, fever, discharge
- Infected insect bites (aged 1+) – swelling, redness, pus
- Impetigo (aged 1+) – red sores, blisters, crusting skin
- Shingles (aged 18+) – painful rash, blisters, burning sensation
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) (women aged 16-64) – pain when urinating, frequent need to pee.
People often forget that pharmacies are fantastic for treatment for a wide range of minor conditions. Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals and great to get advice and treatment that you need quickly.
We also have NHS 111 and NHS 111 online, which are free services available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 111 from a mobile or landline to speak to an advisor to get help or type in 111.nhs.uk on your phone or device and press the green start button to get medical help. These services offer advice for people with urgent, but not life-threatening symptoms. Contact NHS 111 first, it can save you time as they can book you an appointment at a local health facility if you need one.
Enjoy your summer, however you spend it.