ASK YOUR PHARMACIST!

You might be surprised by how much your local chemist can help you

- Amber Bramble,

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?