Pharmacy Services

When should I start thinking about the vaccines I need?

If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you're due to travel.

Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity.

And some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

You may be more at risk of some diseases, for example, if you're:

• travelling in rural areas
• backpacking
• staying in hostels or camping
• on a long trip rather than a package holiday

If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness.

Malaria is a serious infection spread by mosquitoes. If it's not diagnosed and treated quickly, you can die from it.

Malaria is caused by being bitten by an infected mosquito. It can take just 1 bite to get it.

The infection is very common in certain parts of the world.

It's found in tropical regions, including:

• large areas of Africa and Asia
• Central and South America
• Dominican Republic and Haiti
• parts of the Middle East
• some Pacific islands

Malaria is not found in the UK and you cannot catch it from another person.

Erectile dysfunction:

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is very common, particularly in men over 40. It's usually nothing to worry about, but see a GP if it keeps happening.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is when you are either:

• unable to get an erection
• unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex

Depending on the cause, you may still be able to get an erection at other times, such as when you wake up.

Sometimes you might also have low sex drive (loss of libido).

Causes of erectile dysfunction:

Most men occasionally fail to get or keep an erection.

This is usually caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol, and it's nothing to worry about.

It can also be a side effect of some medicines.

If erectile dysfunction happens often, it may be caused by a condition such as:

• high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• diabetes
• depression or anxiety
• hormone problems

If you're worried because you think you've got an STI, go for a check-up at a sexual health clinic as soon as you can.

Do not have sex, including oral sex, without using a condom until you've had a check-up.

You can have an STI without knowing it and infect your partner during sex.

STI symptoms:

The symptoms of an STI can include:

• an unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
• pain when peeing
• lumps or skin growths around the genitals or bottom (anus)
• a rash
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• itchy genitals or anus
• blisters and sores around your genitals or anus
• warts around your genitals or anus
• warts in your mouth or throat, but this is very rare

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect your urinary tract, including your bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection). UTIs may be treated with antibiotics, but they're not always needed.

Check if it's a urinary tract infection (UTI):

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include:

• pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria)
• needing to pee more often than usual
• needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia)
• needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
• pee that looks cloudy
• blood in your pee
• lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
• a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
• a very low temperature below 36C

Your pee may also be dark or smell. If this is your only symptom, it might be because you've not been drinking enough water.

Children:

Children with UTIs may also:

• have a high temperature – your child is feeling hotter than usual if you touch their neck, back or tummy
• appear generally unwell – babies and young children may be irritable and not feed or eat properly
• wet the bed or wet themselves
• be sick

Older, frail people or people with a urinary catheter:

In older, frail people who have problems with memory, learning and concentration (such as dementia), and people with a urinary catheter, symptoms of a UTI may also include:

• changes in behaviour, such as acting agitated or confused (delirium)
• wetting themselves (incontinence) that is worse than usual
• new shivering or shaking (rigors)

If you're living with obesity, your GP can offer you for advice about improving your lifestyle and losing and managing your weight safely.

Your GP can advise you about losing weight safely by eating a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity.

They can also let you know about other useful services, such as:

• local weight loss groups – these could be provided by your local authority, the NHS, or commercial services you may have to pay for
• exercise on prescription – where you're referred to a local active health team for a number of sessions under the supervision of a qualified trainer

If you have underlying problems associated with obesity, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnoea, your GP may recommend further tests or specific treatment. In some cases, they may refer you to a specialist.

Treatment for acne depends on how severe it is. It can take several months of treatment before acne symptoms improve.

If you just have a few blackheads, whiteheads and spots, a pharmacist should be able to advise you on how to treat them successfully with over-the-counter gels or creams (topical treatments) that contain benzoyl peroxide.

Treatments from a GP

See a GP if your acne is moderate or severe, or medicine from your pharmacy has not worked, as you probably need prescription medicine.

Prescription medicines that can be used to treat acne include:

• topical retinoids
• topical antibiotics
• azelaic acid
• antibiotic tablets
• in women, the combined oral contraceptive pill

If you have severe acne, or prescription medicines are not working, your GP can refer you to an expert in treating skin conditions (dermatologist).

For example, if:

• you have a large number of papules and pustules on your chest and back, as well as your face
• you have painful nodules
• you have scarring, or are at risk of scarring
• your condition is making you feel very low or anxious

For mild to moderate or moderate to severe acne, you’ll usually be started on a combination of topical treatments, or antibiotic tablets combined with topical treatments.

Hormonal therapies or the combined oral contraceptive pill can also be effective in women who have acne.

But the progestogen-only pill or contraceptive implant can sometimes make acne worse.

Many of these treatments can take 2 to 3 months before they start to work.

It's important to be patient and persist with a recommended treatment, even if there's no immediate effect.

Topical treatments (gels, creams and lotions):

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Topical retinoids
• Topical antibiotics
• Azelaic acid
• Antibiotic tablets
• Hormonal therapies
• Co-cyprindiol
• Isotretinoin
• Non-pharmaceutical treatments

Flu vaccination is important because, while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.

The best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading. But you can get your vaccine later.

Who can have the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

• are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
• have certain health conditions
• are pregnant
• are in long-stay residential care
• receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

Coming Soon..

Coming Soon..

Coming Soon..

Coming Soon..

Coming Soon..