NEW Forest residents are being urged to save themselves a trip to their GP by speaking to their pharmacist first during the cold and flu season.
According to figures, one in four people unnecessarily visit their GP or hospital accident and emergency department as a first port of call when suffering from colds or flu.
GP and clinical director for medicines and management Dr Emma Harris said: “The majority of cold and flu symptoms will be over in four to five days but complete recovery can take up to 10 days and sometimes longer.
Dr Harris added: "The best thing to do if you have flu is get plenty of rest, preferably in bed, and drink plenty of fluids "You can also take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your temperature and ease aches and pains."
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