Sometimes, when we're unwell, the best course of action is to see a doctor right away.
However, for common conditions and ailments, there's also another option - visiting the chemist.
Pharmacist Amy Jones says some people don't know that pharmacists can help with a range of issues.
"Customers are possibly not aware of all the minor health conditions pharmacists can help them treat, so they may not need to wait to see a doctor or spend a lot of time sitting in the emergency department," Amy explains. "Conditions such as migraines, allergies, thrush, simple urinary tract infections, and muscular aches and pains may be alleviated with advice from the pharmacist and over-the-counter medicines if appropriate." Pharmacists can also help in other ways, like advising on the safety of medicines, safely disposing of unused medicine, checking blood pressure and issuing nicotine replacement therapy. Each pharmacy is different, so ask your local chemist or visit their website.
WHAT VACCINATIONS CAN I GET?
Many of us go straight to the pharmacy when it’s time for our fl u and COVID shots. However, some can also provide vaccines for travel, and to protect against illnesses like whooping cough, shingles, meningococcal disease and pneumococcal disease, to name a few. Not all pharmacies provide the same vaccinations, so ask in store or check online.
CAN MY PHARMACIST SUPPLY THE PILL?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TREASURE & TRAUMA
The launch of the new season of Celebrity Treasure Island doubled as an eighth wedding anniversary celebration for contestant Millen Baird and his wife Siobhan Marshall, who came fourth on the show back in 2022.
JUDGE JAY-JAY
Radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas
CASEY'S BABY JOY 'OUR GIRL IS ALREADY SO LOVED'
The Te Puke gym owner refused to let a devastating accident stop her from becoming a mother
DEAD FUNNY! SHOSHANA'S GOING SOLO
The Emmy Award-winning writer is starring in a macabre new comedy
TWO RAW SISTERS BABY MAKES THREE!
Rosa and Margo have a new cookbook and bundle of joy on the way
HOME AND AWAY'S NEW MÃORI STAR
The son of a Kiwi sporting Legend, Cantona Stewart is making waves in Summer Bay
TV STAR AIDEE 'THE NIGHT I ALMOST DIED'
The actress and director opens up about her terrifying ordeal
CARMEL SEPULONI I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FIGHTER!
Our former deputy PM the lessons she's learnt in politics on CTI
KENNEDY & SOLLY'S ROMANTIC RACE TO THE ALTAR
The Black Ferns co-captain and her rugby star husband organised the ir nuptials in just five days!
THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!
Their lovable bromance is stealing the spotlight in Venice!