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Understanding Sore Throats

Sore throats can be a real pain, often causing discomfort when swallowing and a scratchy sensation. While they're usually not a major concern and tend to improve on their own, it's good to know how to manage the symptoms and when to seek help.

What Triggers a Sore Throat?

Mostly, viruses like the common cold or flu are the culprits behind a sore throat. Other times, factors like smoking or bacterial infections can lead to this irritation. Conditions such as tonsillitis, strep throat, laryngitis, or glandular fever could also be at play.

Signs of a Sore Throat

Apart from the obvious throat pain and difficulty swallowing, you might notice dryness, redness in your mouth, bad breath, a mild cough, and swollen glands in your neck. These symptoms usually clear up within a week, but if they persist or if you often experience sore throats, it might be time to seek advice.

When to Seek Help

If your sore throat lingers beyond a week or you frequently suffer from them, it's wise to reach out for advice. For urgent concerns or if you're experiencing severe symptoms, call 01509 357 999 for inquiries or book a video consultation with our pharmacist. In emergency cases, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek immediate medical help.

Home Remedies for Relief

To soothe a sore throat, try staying hydrated, eating soft foods, avoiding irritants like smoke, and using lozenges or gargling with warm, salty water. These simple measures can offer relief for mild cases.

Pharmacy Support

For more persistent or uncomfortable sore throats, Church Pharmacy can help. Our expert team can provide advice and recommend treatments, such as pain relief options or medicated lozenges, without needing a prescription. While antibiotics aren't typically used for sore throats, they might be necessary for bacterial infections.

Sore Throats in Children

Children are just as susceptible to sore throats, often due to viral infections. Keep an eye out for symptoms like:

• Throat pain
• Reduced activity
• Coughing
• Fever

Most children's sore throats improve within a few days, but if symptoms persist or are accompanied by other serious signs, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.

How Can We Help

Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, Church Pharmacy is equipped to offer comprehensive support for sore throats to those in England, aged 5 and over. Our pharmacists can provide advice, suggest suitable treatments, and refer you for further care if needed, all without the need for a GP visit.

For personalized care and support in managing sore throat symptoms, contact us on 01509 357 999 or book an online appointment. Our team is here to help, ensuring you get the guidance you need with the convenience of our video consultations.

Further information can be found at here

Understanding Insect Bites and Stings

What are Insect Bites and Stings?

Insect bites and stings are more common in warmer weather and generally result in minor symptoms such as itching or pain. However, they can occasionally lead to allergic reactions or infections. It's crucial to understand how to effectively treat these bites and stings and recognize when to seek medical assistance.

Symptoms of Insect Bites and Stings

The typical reaction is a red, itchy lump on the skin. Sometimes, the area around the bite becomes swollen, red, and painful. These symptoms usually improve within a week. However, if discomfort persists, or there are signs of infection (increased tenderness, fever, malaise, swelling, pus, or red streaks) it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Treating Insect Bites and Stings

Most insect bites and stings can be treated at home:

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Remove any stingers with a bank card or tweezers.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Elevate the affected area to help reduce swelling.
• Consider over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines for pain and itching. Always read labels and consult a pharmacist if unsure about suitability.
• Avoid scratching to reduce the risk of infection.

When to Seek Medical Help

Consult a healthcare professional if:

• Symptoms persist or worsen after a few days.
• The bite or sting causes severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face and mouth, which could indicate a severe allergic reaction. In such cases, call 999 immediately.
• There are signs of infection, such as increased tenderness, fever, swelling, pus, or red streaks

Preventing Infections and Allergic Reactions

To reduce the risk of infection and allergic reactions:

• Keep the skin covered in areas prone to bites.
• Use insect repellent.
• Avoid areas with high insect activity when possible.

Church Pharmacy Services

If you suspect you have an infected insect bite or sting, Church Pharmacy offers consultations via video. Call us at 01509 357 999 for non-urgent inquiries. For severe symptoms or if you suspect an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

Our pharmacists are equipped under the NHS Pharmacy First Service to provide support and prescribe necessary treatments for those suffering from infected insect bites and stings, making it convenient to address minor health concerns without the need for a GP visit.

Please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/ for more information

Remember, prompt and appropriate treatment can manage the symptoms of infected insect bites and stings effectively and prevent complications. If you're unsure about your symptoms or how to treat them, don't hesitate to contact us on 01509 357 999

Understanding Impetigo

Impetigo, a common skin infection mainly affecting children, can be uncomfortable and highly contagious but is typically not severe. With or without treatment, it often improves over time, but timely intervention can hasten recovery.

Understanding Impetigo Symptoms

Impetigo usually starts as red sores or blisters on exposed skin areas, such as the face and hands. These eventually burst, leaving behind crusty, golden-brown patches.

Symptoms might include:

• itchiness
• mild pain
• and spreading to other body parts.

Causes of Impetigo

This infection arises from bacteria infecting damaged skin, like cuts or insect bites, or due to underlying conditions such as eczema. It can be acute or chronic, with chronic cases often linked to allergies, nasal polyps, smoking, or a weakened immune system.

Managing Impetigo

If you suspect impetigo in yourself or your child, consulting with our pharmacist can be your first step. Given its contagious nature, our video or phone consultation services would give you the peace of mind avoiding an in-person visit. Call us on 01509 357 999 or select a time slot on our calendar to book in a few steps.

Treatment Options

Treatment may involve:

• Antiseptic creams with hydrogen peroxide
• Antibiotic creams or tablets

It's crucial to complete any prescribed antibiotic course, even if symptoms improve.

Preventing Spread and Recurrence

To prevent spreading impetigo or a recurrence:

• Stay home from work or school until no longer contagious
• Keep affected areas clean and dry, covering them if possible
• Maintain personal hygiene, especially handwashing
• Clean and disinfect any items or surfaces the infected person has touched

Preventive measures also include treating and protecting any damaged skin and managing underlying skin conditions.

How We Can Help?

With the NHS Pharmacy First Service our team of pharmacists are ready to support those dealing with impetigo, offering expert advice and treatment options, including prescriptions where suitable, for individuals over one year old in England. No appointment is necessary, making it a convenient way to address this condition. We offer consultations via video. Call us at 01509 357 999 for non-urgent inquiries. For severe symptoms seek immediate medical attention.

In certain cases, like bullous impetigo or frequent recurrences, further consultation with a healthcare professional may be advised.

For expert advice and support in managing impetigo, reach out to us. While immediate assistance is our goal, please note that wait times may vary during peak periods without an appointment.

*Availability of treatment is upon a suitability assessment.

Understanding Shingles

What is Shingles?

Shingles is an infection that affects a nerve and the skin around it, leading to a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox.

Signs & Symptoms of Shingles:

Before the rash appears, you might experience early symptoms such as a headache, general malaise, a high temperature, and skin sensitivity (pain, burning, tingling, or itchiness) in the affected area. These symptoms are followed by the main sign of shingles: a painful rash that develops into itchy blisters. These blisters burst, form crusts, and may leave some scarring.

What Causes Shingles?

Shingles is triggered when the dormant varicella-zoster virus reactivates. Factors contributing to this include lowered immunity, age (it's most common in those over 50), stress, other illnesses, or treatments like chemotherapy.

Is Shingles Contagious?

While shingles itself is not contagious, the virus can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had it. Avoid contact with pregnant individuals who haven't had chickenpox, people with weakened immune systems, and very young babies if you have shingles.

Treatment for Shingles

If you suspect you have shingles, and would like to inquire more information, contact our team over-the-phone (01509 357 999) or book a video consultation. While there is no cure, early treatment can alleviate symptoms, reduce severity, and prevent complications. Treatments include antiviral medication, pain relief, and keeping the rash clean and dry.

Preventing the Spread of Shingles

To prevent spreading the virus:

• Stay home if your rash is weeping and can't be covered.
• Keep the rash area clean and dry.
• Avoid sharing towels or other personal items.

Shingles in Children and Pregnancy

Children can also develop shingles, usually following a mild infection. In pregnant women, shingles poses no direct risk to the mother or unborn baby, but medical advice should be sought for potential antiviral treatment.

Eligibility for Shingles Vaccine

If you're between 70 and 79 years old, you are eligible for a free NHS shingles vaccine.

Out of the NHS age range we can provide this service privately. Charges apply for private services. This vaccine reduces the risk of developing shingles and lessens the severity if you do get it. The vaccine is not as effective in those 80 and over and is not available on the NHS for this age group.

How Church Pharmacy Can Help

With the NHS Pharmacy First Service, our pharmacists are equipped to provide comprehensive support for shingles. No appointment is needed, and we offer advice and treatment, including prescription medicines where appropriate, for individuals aged 18 and over. If our pharmacist deems it necessary, they may refer you to another healthcare professional.

Please note, during busy periods, there may be a wait, but our team is committed to providing you with the best care possible. Contact Church Pharmacy today for support and treatment options for shingles.

For further information please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/

Understanding Cystitis (UTI)

What is Cystitis?

Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that results in inflammation of the bladder. This common condition is most prevalent in women and arises when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra. While uncomfortable, cystitis is generally not severe and often resolves on its own within a few days.

Symptoms of Cystitis

Symptoms can develop suddenly and may include:

• Pain or a burning sensation during urination
• Urgency and frequency in needing to urinate
• Dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine
• Lower abdominal pain
• Feeling generally unwell and tired

In older adults or those with cognitive impairments, symptoms might also include behavioural changes such as confusion or agitation, increased incidents of incontinence, and physical symptoms like shivering.

What Causes Cystitis? Cystitis typically occurs when bacteria from the bowel or skin enter the bladder through the urethra. It can be triggered by:

It can be triggered by:

• Sexual activity
• Poor bathroom hygiene (e.g., wiping from back to front)
• Use of a catheter
• Certain contraceptives like diaphragms
• Conditions that prevent complete emptying of the bladder, such as an enlarged prostate or during pregnancy
• Certain contraceptives like diaphragms

Managing and Treating Cystitis

For mild cases, self-care strategies can be effective:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Taking pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable
• Using a hot water bottle to ease pain
• Avoiding irritants like alcohol and caffeine

If symptoms persist or you frequently experience cystitis, it's important to seek professional advice. Church Pharmacy offers video and phone consultations for non-urgent care—simply call us at 01509 357 999. For more severe cases or if you suspect a kidney infection (indicated by a high temperature, back pain, or nausea), contact your GP or NHS 111.

Prevention Tips

Preventing cystitis involves:

• Urinating soon after sex
• Wiping from front to back
• Staying well-hydrated
• Avoiding scented products near the genitals
• Ensuring regular urination and complete bladder emptying

When to See a GP

(The following list excludes patients from Pharmacy First Service) Consult a healthcare professional if:

• You experience severe symptoms, such as blood in your urine
• Symptoms do not improve within a few days
• You or your child develops cystitis
• You are pregnant

How Church Pharmacy Can Help

Under the NHS Pharmacy First Service, our pharmacists are equipped to offer advice and treatment for cystitis to individuals aged 16 to 64 experiencing uncomplicated UTIs. This service is available with and without an appointment, providing a convenient option for addressing minor health concerns

Please note, this service excludes pregnant women, those with a urinary catheter, or those experiencing recurrent UTIs. If our pharmacists assess that your condition requires further attention, they may refer you to another healthcare professional.

For personalized care and advice, or to manage symptoms of cystitis effectively, do not hesitate to contact our team on 01509 357 999 to enquire more information or support with booking a consultation with our pharmacist.