Away from home this summer? A local pharmacy can help
Whether it’s a trip to the beach, visiting family, camping or going to a festival, nobody wants their summer interrupted by getting ill.
But if you or your family are unwell while you are away, you don’t need to wait until you get home to get help.
The Pharmacy First service lets you get advice and, if needed, NHS treatment for some common illnesses at many pharmacies across England.
Just find the nearest pharmacy and turn up. No appointment needed.
It can save you time, help you feel better sooner and get you back to enjoying your summer.
When could Pharmacy First help?
Imagine you are camping and an insect bite becomes red, swollen and painful. Or you’re away for the weekend and wake up with a sore throat.
Maybe your child gets earache at the beach, or you feel a urine infection (UTI) coming on.
For many common illnesses like these, your local pharmacy may be able to help.
A pharmacist is a trained healthcare professional. They can check your symptoms, give advice and provide NHS treatment if it is the right option.
Child with earache at the beach?
✅ Pharmacy First can help children aged 1 to 17 with earache cause by an acute infection.
Infected insect bite when camping?
✅ Pharmacy First can help with insect bites that are red, swollen, painful or infected.
Sore throat ruining your plans?
✅ Pharmacy First can help with sore throats and colds.
Symptoms of a UTI while away?
✅ Pharmacy First can help women aged 16 to 64 with uncomplicated UTIs
Pharmacy First can help with seven common illnesses
You can visit a Pharmacy First pharmacy for:
- Earache (acute ear infection) in children aged 1 to 17 years
- Impetigo
- Infected insect bites
- Shingles
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Uncomplicated urine infections (UTIs) in women aged 16 to 64 years
If you need different care, the pharmacist will explain what to do next and help you find the right support.
You don’t need to go to a local GP
Many people think they need to find a local GP if they become ill while away from home.
For many common illnesses, that is not needed.
If you’re in England, you can find your nearest pharmacy. There is no need to wait until you get home if you are feeling unwell.
Knowing where to go before you need help can make things much easier if someone becomes ill during your trip.
It is also worth packing any regular medicines you take, along with simple items such as pain relief, antihistamines and plasters.
Wherever you’re heading, take a look at our 8 quick checks for a healthy summer.
When should I get urgent help instead?
Pharmacy First is for common illnesses that can be treated safely by a pharmacist.
You should get urgent help if someone has:
- severe breathing problems
- chest pain
- signs of a stroke
- a serious injury
- symptoms that are getting worse quickly
If you are not sure what help you need, contact NHS 111 for advice.
Enjoy your summer with confidence
A minor illness does not have to spoil your plans.
Whether you are at a festival, exploring somewhere new, visiting family or enjoying a holiday, help may be closer than you think.
If you or a family member has one of the illnesses covered by Pharmacy First, do not wait until you get home. Think Pharmacy First and get the help you need, so you can get back to enjoying your summer.