Henfield doctors urge pharmacy visit for flu

Doctors in the Henfield Medical Practice are supporting a new campaign to encourage people to self-treat minor ailments such as colds and flu the winter.
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The Treat Yourself Better Without Antibiotics website is full of information to help people understand when how long they can expect their symptoms to last for, when they need to see a doctor and when they would be better off visiting their local pharmacist for advice. You can visit the website at www.treatyourselfbetter.co.uk.

If you have cold or flu symptoms, the Henfield doctors suggest you visit a pharmacy initially, as in the majority of cases GPs can’t help, and unnecessary appointments cost the NHS £35.2 million a year and countless practice hours.

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The campaign has been launched after new research reveals that nearly half the UK population (45%) believe antibiotics can treat cold and flu, and slightly more (48%) admit to having visited their GP with an expectation of being prescribed them for this purpose.

In fact, antibiotics do not have any effect against symptoms like cold and flu as these are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only work against bacteria.

Over-use of antibiotics is a serious issue which can lead to dangerous bacteria developing immunity.

What were previously simply treatable infections are becoming serious and in some cases life-threatening.

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It is important that we use antibiotics wisely, and on Thursday 28 November, 7.30 pm at the Henfield Medical Centre, the Friends of Henfield Medical Practice presented an education evening, Who Needs Antibiotics, led by the Henfield Practice Self-Care Champion, Fiona Ordidge, supported by doctors and other nursing staff.

If you’ve not yet had your flu jab this Autumn, it is NOT TOO LATE for ‘at risk’ patients registered with Henfield Medical Centre. or other practices in the Horsham area.

For Henfield patients, visit the Practice website for details or enquire on 01273 492255 and at the reception desk in Deer Park, Henfield.

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