Quick check
Can the pharmacy help me?
Find the condition that matches your symptoms to see whether you're within the age criteria and what to do next. A pharmacist always confirms suitability.
Tap a condition below. This is general guidance based on the NHS Pharmacy First criteria and is not a substitute for a pharmacist's assessment. For these conditions you do not need an appointment or a referral.
Sinusitis — blocked, painful sinuses
Facial pain or pressure, blocked or runny nose, reduced smell.
- Test needed first?
- Eligible from age 12 and over.
- What to do
- Come in or contact us — the pharmacist will assess you and provide NHS treatment if appropriate.
- What to bring
- A list of any medicines you take and known allergies.
Sore throat
Painful throat, discomfort swallowing, swollen neck glands.
- Test needed first?
- Eligible from age 5 and over.
- What to do
- The pharmacist uses a simple assessment to decide whether treatment is needed.
- What to bring
- Details of medicines and allergies.
Earache (child)
Ear pain or a middle-ear infection, often in children.
- Test needed first?
- Eligible age 1 to 17. Seen face to face so the ear can be examined.
- What to do
- The pharmacist examines the ear and advises or treats as appropriate.
- What to bring
- The child and any medicines they take.
Infected insect bite
A bite or sting that is increasingly red, swollen, warm or painful.
- Test needed first?
- Eligible from age 1 and over.
- What to do
- The pharmacist assesses the bite and provides NHS treatment if appropriate.
- What to bring
- Details of medicines and allergies.
Impetigo (crusty skin sores)
Red sores or blisters that crust over, often around the nose and mouth.
- Test needed first?
- Eligible from age 1 and over.
- What to do
- The pharmacist assesses the skin and advises on treatment and limiting spread.
- What to bring
- Details of medicines and allergies.
Shingles
A painful, blistering rash usually on one side of the body.
- Test needed first?
- Eligible from age 18 and over. Best treated early.
- What to do
- Contact us promptly — early antiviral treatment can be provided where appropriate.
- What to bring
- Details of medicines and any immune conditions.
UTI (women)
Burning when passing urine, going more often or urgently.
- Test needed first?
- Eligible for women aged 16 to 64. Not for pregnancy, catheters or recurrent UTIs.
- What to do
- The pharmacist assesses your symptoms and treats or refers as appropriate.
- What to bring
- Details of medicines and allergies.
Not sure / something else
Your symptoms don't match, or you're outside the age criteria.
- Test needed first?
- The pharmacist can still advise and point you to the right care.
- What to do
- Get in touch — we will help you find the right next step.
- What to bring
- A description of your symptoms.
Still not sure?
Contact us and we will tell you whether Pharmacy First can help or point you to the right care.
Book an appointment