Pharmacy First
At Vivo Pharmacy & Health Clinic, we’re proud to offer Pharmacy First treatment in Bristol, providing quicker access to treatment and advice for a wide range of common conditions. Instead of waiting for a GP appointment, you can visit your local pharmacy for expert guidance and treatment for several ailments. Our trained pharmacists can assess your condition and provide guidance and treatments, including over-the-counter medications or even prescription treatments.
Here’s a closer look at some of the conditions we can help you manage under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a common condition where the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities around the nose, become inflamed. It often follows a cold or the flu, causing symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, facial pain, pressure around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks, and a reduced sense of smell.
At Vivo Pharmacy & Health Clinic, our pharmacists can offer advice on how to relieve the discomfort of sinusitis. We can recommend over-the-counter decongestants to help clear blocked nasal passages, pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain and pressure, and saline nasal sprays to help keep the nasal passages moist. In some cases, if the sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, our pharmacists may refer you to a GP. However, most cases can be managed effectively with pharmacy-led care.
Sore Throat
A sore throat is often the result of a viral infection such as a cold or the flu, and it can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty swallowing. While a sore throat usually resolves on its own within a week, the pain and irritation can be bothersome.
Through the NHS Pharmacy First Scheme, we can provide treatments and advice to help soothe your sore throat. Our pharmacists may recommend lozenges, throat sprays, or gargles that contain anaesthetic or anti-inflammatory ingredients to numb the pain and reduce swelling. We may also suggest pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce fever and ease discomfort. For most sore throats, there’s no need for antibiotics, but if we suspect a bacterial infection, we may advise you to see a GP.
Earache
An earache (acute otitis media) can be caused by an infection, earwax build-up, or pressure changes, and it can be painful and disruptive. At Vivo Pharmacy & Health Clinic, our team can assess the severity of your earache and recommend treatments that can help relieve pain and reduce symptoms.
For earaches caused by wax build-up, we may recommend ear drops to help soften and remove the wax. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be used to manage discomfort, and decongestants can help if the earache is related to a cold or sinusitis. In some cases, if we suspect a middle ear infection, we might refer you to your GP, but for many earaches, pharmacy treatment is effective and convenient.
Infected Insect Bites
Insect bites can be itchy and uncomfortable, but if they become infected, they may also cause pain, redness, and swelling. At Vivo Pharmacy & Health Clinic, we can help manage infected insect bites by recommending treatments that reduce inflammation and prevent further infection.
Our pharmacists may suggest antihistamine creams or tablets to help with itching, as well as antiseptic creams to prevent infection. If the bite has already become infected, we may recommend antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics if needed, depending on the severity of the infection. We’ll also provide guidance on how to clean and care for the bite to prevent further irritation or infection.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that typically affects children but can also occur in adults. It causes red sores or blisters, usually around the mouth, nose, or hands, that eventually burst and form a crust.
At Vivo Pharmacy & Health Clinic, we can offer advice on how to manage impetigo, and in some cases, we may be able to prescribe antibiotic creams to treat the infection. We’ll guide you on keeping the affected areas clean and dry to prevent the spread of infection, and if necessary, we can advise on when to seek further medical attention.
Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, often accompanied by itching and discomfort. It’s caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, and it can affect anyone who has had chickenpox before, typically occurring later in life.
If you suspect you have shingles, visit us at Vivo Pharmacy & Health Clinic. We can provide advice on managing the pain and discomfort, including over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, antiviral medications may be required, which would necessitate a referral to your GP. Early treatment is important to prevent complications and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Women
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in women. They can cause symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, the need to urinate frequently, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. While UTIs can be uncomfortable, they are often straightforward to treat.
At Vivo Pharmacy & Health Clinic, we can help manage uncomplicated UTIs in women through the NHS Pharmacy First Scheme. Our pharmacists can provide advice on over-the-counter treatments and may be able to offer antibiotics where appropriate. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future UTIs, such as drinking plenty of fluids and practising good hygiene.
How the NHS Pharmacy First Scheme Works
The NHS Pharmacy First scheme gives patients easier access to healthcare advice and treatment without the need to see a GP for certain minor ailments. At Vivo Pharmacy & Health Clinic, our pharmacists are qualified to assess your symptoms, provide expert advice, and recommend appropriate treatments. In some cases, we can offer prescription medications or refer you to a GP if further medical attention is needed.
Why Choose Vivo Pharmacy & Health Clinic?
At Vivo Pharmacy & Health Clinic, we provide convenient, accessible, and tailored Pharmacy First treatment. Our participation in the NHS Pharmacy First Scheme means you don’t need to wait for a doctor’s appointment. Instead, you can get the treatment you need for common conditions at your local pharmacy. Our knowledgeable pharmacists are here to guide you through your treatment options and ensure you receive the best possible care.
Whether you’re looking for advice on managing symptoms, need treatment for a minor infection, or simply want peace of mind, Vivo Pharmacy & Health Clinic is here to help. Contact us today to take advantage of the NHS Pharmacy First Scheme and let us support your health and well-being.
