LAURA RYAN
MY sister is studying bacteria and infectious diseases at university and has told me not to go the doctor if I get the flu, is this true? SEASONAL influenza, more commonly known as flu, is highly infectious and spreads at speed via coughing and sneezing.
To help avoid spreading germs to others and avoid picking them up, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, dispose of the tissue in a bin as soon as possible.
If you catch flu, and you’re otherwise fit and healthy, you can manage symptoms at home. Rest, drink plenty of fluids and use paracetamolbased cold remedies to reduce your temperature and help relieve your symptoms. You may be bed bound for a few dayswhen your symptoms are at their worst but once you start to feel better you should try to and get back to normal activities.
Most people get better without needing to see their GP and will recover from flu within a week. However, if you’re concerned about your symptoms or they’re getting worse, despite regularly using simple remedies, contact your GP. They will decide the most appropriate action to take. Some groups of people have a higher risk of serious illness or complications if they catch flu. See your GP if you’re in a high-risk group, for example, if you have a long-standing illness like diabetes or chest problems, and have flu-like symptoms. CAN I pick up a prescription for my elderly mum when it’s bad weather? YOU can collect a repeat prescription for a friend, or relative, from the GP surgery. You will usually be asked to confirm the name and address of the person you are collecting the prescription for.
The GP surgery is not legally required to check your identity, but it is considered good practice to check in order to prevent the wrong prescription being given out to a patient.
Pharmacists, like GPs, have a responsibility to make sure that all patients’ details are kept confidential. You can take a prescription to the pharmacy to collect someone else’s medication for them. If the person is registered with a Scottish GP and you are taking the prescription to a pharmacy in Scotland, then complete part B of the prescription form (GP 10). Sign and put a cross in the box to indicate that you are the patient’s representative. WHAT is Gout? GOUT is a type of arthritis in which small crystals form inside and around the joints. It causes sudden attacks of severe pain and swelling. It’s estimated that between one and two in every 100 people in the UK are affected by gout.
In order to diagnose gout, Your GP will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will also examine the affected area, which will help make a diagnosis. Your GP may also ask you about your diet, particularly your intake of beer, spirits and foods high in purines, such as red meat and seafood. As the symptoms associated with gout are common in a variety of conditions, your GP may also refer you for further tests which may include a blood test, joint fluid test, X-ray or ultrasound scan.
Treatment includes pain relief to help you cope with a gout attack, as well as medication and lifestyle changes to prevent further attacks.