Patients will be able to get prescriptions for seven common conditions from pharmacists without the need for a GP appointment.
The changes could be rolled out by this winter and will allow pharmacists to write prescriptions without the approval of a GP.
It is hoped the measures will help to free up 15 million slots at doctors’ surgeries over the next two years.
Here are the seven conditions covered by the proposal.
Earache
Earache is common, particularly in young children. While it can be painful, it’s not usually a sign of anything serious.
How long an earache lasts depends on what caused it. Some common causes include an ear infection, flu, cold, glue ear, earwax build up and teething in young children.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used to treat earache but if it lasts for more than three days or keeps coming back prescribed medicine may be needed.
UTIs
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include pain or a burning sensation when urinating, needing to urinate more often and more urgently than usual, blood in urine, a high or very low temperature and pain in the back or lower abdomen.
People are advised to seek medical help if the symptoms last for more than two days or come back after treatment.
Antibiotics may be prescribed – sometimes with instructions to wait two days before starting the course to see if the infection clears up on its own.
Sore throat
Sore throats are very common and normally get better by themselves within a week.
They are generally caused by viruses, which cannot be treated with antibiotics.
However, a severe or long-lasting sore throat could be a condition such as strep throat, a bacterial throat infection that may require antibiotics.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. It often goes away on its own within two to three weeks but medicine can help if it’s taking a long time to clear up.
A steroid nasal spray or cream may be prescribed to reduce the swelling in the sinuses and antihistamines may be given if an allergy is causing the problem.
Occasionally antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is behind the sinusitis, but it is normally caused by a virus.
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Infected insect bites
Most insect bites or stings will improve within a few hours or days and can be treated at home.
However, further treatment may be required for long-lasting or troublesome symptoms.
Hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines may be given for itching and antibiotics may be needed if the area gets infected.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection that’s very contagious but not usually serious. With treatment, it should clear up in seven to 10 days.
It starts with red sores or blisters which burst, leaving crusty, golden-brown patches.
Antibiotics can be prescribed in either cream or pill form.
Shingles
Shingles causes a painful rash which appears as blotches on one side of the body.
It can take up to four weeks for the rash to heal and the skin can be painful for weeks after the rash goes away.
A shingles vaccine is available on the NHS for people in their 70s.
People who think they have shingles are advised to call 111 for advice. It can be treated at home but you might need medicine to help speed up your recovery and avoid longer-lasting problems.
