GP urges Brits to avoid doing 1 thing this winter that 'wastes doctors' time'

As the chillier months approach, many Brits find themselves battling with seasonal bugs and viruses; however, a doctor has advised that not all ailments require a visit to the GP, and it comes after new opening hour rules were put in place.

Dr Abdul, known on TikTok as lifeofagp, explained that common illnesses such as sore throats, colds and coughs prevalent during autumn and winter don't necessarily warrant a doctor's appointment. In fact, visiting your GP might not improve your health.

In an informative video aimed at helping people manage their symptoms better, Dr Abdul shed light on what people need to know. It comes following the recent changes in appointment schedules across UK GP surgeries.

Dr Abdul advised: "With the weather changing, we have coughs, colds and sore throats on the rise, so the key question is should you come and see your doctor? Now, for sore throats, the pharmacy first service will see anyone who is over five-years-old so, if you have just a sore throat, you can go to your local pharmacy.

"Your pharmacist will have a look. If they think antibiotics are needed, it will be prescribed for you, but most sore throats are due to viruses. Colds and coughs. Guys, I don't know why you have not learnt after Covid, most coughs and colds are due to viruses.

"Generally, they do not require antibiotics. Most viral illnesses improve within five to seven days. If you're seeing me before five days, I'm unlikely to prescribe you antibiotics."

He added: "It's going to be a waste of time for yourself, and it's a wasted appointment. Now, if it comes to that after seven day point, and things are not improving, come and I will examine you."

He did acknowledge there will be some exceptions to this guidance. For instance, if you are immunocompromised, have cancer, severe asthma or a condition like COPD then it's sensible to consult a doctor if you're experiencing viral symptoms.

Nevertheless, most individuals don't need to visit their GP if they have a cough or cold. More often than not, he explained the ailments resolve with time and rest.

The video has been watched dozens of times since it was posted, and viewers were quick to respond. Some confessed they wouldn't visit the doctor if they had a sore throat.

One person commented: "I always wait it out." Another wrote: "Due to a long term history with throat infections, my GP told me to see them each time, so we can keep a record of each flare up."

According to the NHS, when it comes to the common cold, you can often manage a cold without consulting a GP. You should begin to feel better in about one to two weeks, according to general guidance.

GPs advise against the use of antibiotics for colds as they neither alleviate symptoms nor hasten recovery. Antibiotics are only effective when dealing with bacterial infections, while colds are viral.

The website advises: "Symptoms of a cold can last longer in young children. They may also be irritable, have difficulty feeding and sleeping, breathe through their mouth and get sick after coughing.

"If you have a high temperature, or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better."

The NHS further recommends seeking medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• You have a high temperature for more than three days
• Your cold symptoms get worse
• Your temperature is very high or you feel hot and shivery
• You feel short of breath or have chest pain
• You're worried about your child's cold symptoms
• Your cold symptoms do not get better after 10 days
• You have a cough for more than three weeks
• You get cold symptoms and you have a long-term medical condition (for example, diabetes or a heart, lung or kidney condition)
• You get cold symptoms and you have a weakened immune system (for example, because you're having chemotherapy)