Two in 10 patients think only GPs can treat minor ailments, a poll commissioned by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has suggested.

And more than a third (36%) were unaware of the Pharmacy First service, the online polling of 2,052 UK adults found.

The survey, carried out by Research without Barriers between 21 October and 24 October 2024, also revealed misconceptions and myths held by patients around antibiotics and illnesses, including that:

  • One in 10 (11% of) patients believed athletes foot could be treated by antibiotics
  • Two in 10 (22%) thought antibiotics were the solution for all sore throats
  • Three in 10 (32%)  thought all urinary tract infections will clear up on their own – with the NPA highlighting that most do in fact need to be treated with medicine, to avoid complications such as kidney infections and sepsis

The polling also suggested that 40% of patients thought the flu vaccine can cause the flu – with 13% saying it definitely caused it and 27% saying it sometimes could.

The research was commissioned as part of the NPA’s Ask Your Pharmacist Week campaign, which begins today and aims to tackle common myths around minor ailments.

The week is also intended to encourage more people to get medical treatment from their local pharmacy, with the poll highlighting that 55% of workers missed at least one day of work last year due to coughs, colds and other minor ailments.

According to the NPA survey, minor ailments caused 31% of workers to be off work for one to six days, 15% for a week, 12% for two weeks and 3% for three weeks.

Contractor and NPA board member Sukhi Basra said the 'large number' of people missing work for illnesses that could be 'promptly treated and prevented' by their local pharmacist was 'concerning'.

And she also raised concerns about the lack of patient awareness of 'the wide range of services' offered by pharmacies.

'As we look to winter, it is inevitable that we will see a surge in minor illnesses,' said Ms Basra.

'Pharmacies are one of the most accessible parts of our health care system, providing high quality health care on people’s doorsteps.

'Services like NHS Pharmacy First offer same day help for common ailments, saving time for both patients and GPs. By debunking myths and making healthcare more accessible, pharmacists are ensuring that people can confidently manage their health this winter and beyond,' Ms Basra added.