Noticed a recent change in your skin, or need help managing an existing skin condition? You may need to see a skin specialist. Most of the time changes in your skin are nothing to worry about, simply natural changes that are manageable with no or light intervention on your behalf. But other times problems with your skin can be quite serious, leading to more problems both on the surface and inside your body. Looking after your skin is just as important as the rest of your body, so it should be treated with respect and care.
Read on to find out more about what a skin specialist can do for you, and whether you should go see one.
Skin specialists, also known as dermatologists, are doctors who diagnose, treat and manage children and adults with skin conditions and diseases. They also deal with issues with nails and hair, but for this article, we’ll be focusing more on how they use their skills and qualifications to treat skin complaints. Skin issues are very common, with around 24% of the UK population visiting their GP with a skin disease each year. Most dermatologists are also skin surgeons, able to offer treatment with issues such as skin cancer.
There are over 2000 dermatological diagnoses that are to do with the skin, so here is a selection of common issues that you may be facing.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and refers to a group of cancers that develop in the upper layers of the skin. It can come in two forms, non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer is much more common than melanoma, which is usually a more serious issue. Here’s a bit more information about both types:
Non-melanoma cancer often develops on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, chest and ears. It usually develops in the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. The first sign of this type of cancer is usually a lump or discoloured patch of skin. It usually is made up of cancerous lumps and patches, which manifest as being red and firm or flat and scaly respectively.
Causes of non-melanoma skin cancer include overexposure to UV light, a previous history of cancer, pale skin, a large number of moles or freckles and taking immunosuppressive medicine. You can help prevent chances of developing it by using sunscreen, avoiding sunbeds and limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun. Skin cancer usually does not spread to other parts of your body, but can cause considerable skin damage.
You should see a skin specialist if you have any skin abnormality that has not healed within 4 weeks of you first observing it. They will examine your skin and may do a biopsy. Surgery is the main treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer but it can also be treated with cryotherapy, radiotherapy and anti-cancer creams.
Melanoma is the other type of skin cancer, which is more likely to spread to other organs in your body. You should be on the lookout for the appearance of a new mole or a shift in an existing one such as a change in size, shape or colour. There are a few types of melanoma, but they are commonly irregular in shape and have more than one colour. They can quickly grow downwards, which will then let them spread to other areas of your body.
Melanoma is caused by exposure to UV light, family history, pale skin, red or blonde hair and lots of freckles or moles. It can be prevented by avoiding getting sunburnt, wearing sunscreen, avoiding sunbeds and regularly checking your skin. You should see a skin specialist if you notice any change to your moles, so they can take a biopsy. Melanoma is mostly treated through surgery if caught early, and medicines such as BRAF inhibitors to reduce symptoms if not.
Eczema is a skin condition that causes it to become itchy, dry and cracked. It can affect any part of your body but is most common on the hands, knees, elbows, face and scalp. You should seek a skin specialist’s help when you have visibly irritated red skin, a history of skin problems in the same areas, dry skin or a history of asthma or hay fever.
Common causes are suffering from asthma, hay fever, food allergies or other allergens such as soaps, stress and the weather. It can be treated by self-care techniques, moisturising treatments or topical corticosteroids that reduce swelling and itching.
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red and itchy patches on the knees, elbows and scalp. It’s a long-term chronic disease with no cure that flares up every once in a while before going into remission again. Symptoms include red patches of skin covered in scales, dry skin that may bleed or itch, thickened nails and swollen joints.
You should see a doctor if you suspect you have any of the above symptoms and they cause you discomfort, pain, become widespread or lead to joint problems. Psoriasis is triggered by environmental factors such as stress, weather, injuries, infections, smoking, drinking or taking certain medications. It can also occur if you have a family history of the condition.
If you have a wound that doesn’t seem to be healing after weeks or months, you should go see a skin specialist. A non-healing wound can allow diseases to enter your body more easily and could also be a sign of tissue death or cancer.
Sores or ulcers in your mouth that come back repeatedly could be a sign of an issue with your digestive tract. If your mouth ulcers keep coming back, grow bigger or start bleeding it is time to visit a skin specialist or a dentist for treatment.
If you have red or itchy eyes, this could be a sign you have conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, gritty feeling or discharge from your eye that forms a crust. While many probably assume pink eye is an eye-related issue, it is actually a dermatological issue as it affects the delicate tissues around the eyes.
It is commonly caused by an allergic reaction or a viral or bacterial infection. You should see a doctor if you have eye pain, blurred vision or light sensitivity.
You may need a skin specialist if your acne is quite severe. A dermatologist can help you treat the condition by helping you devise a skin care plan and offer treatments such as medication, lasers, chemical peels or the removal of large cysts. There are six main types of spots caused by acne: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Visiting a skin specialist can help you to diagnose exactly what types of spots you have.
To help deal with or prevent acne you should wash the affected area with a bar of mild soap and lukewarm water, do not try to squeeze spots as this can lead to permanent scarring and try to eat better. You should also not wash the affected area too much as this can irritate the skin and avoid wearing too many oily products on your face.
As mentioned in the skin cancer section, you should be on the lookout for suspicious moles that have either appeared suddenly or changed shape. They can be an early sign of melanoma, skin cancer or other problems. Skin specialists can help diagnose moles or offer cosmetic treatment to remove non-cancerous moles.
Overall any skin issue that doesn’t fade over time should be looked at, as it will probably be an issue that could lead to more serious consequences. Even if nothing is wrong, seeking treatment as a preventative measure is always a good idea.
If you need help or treatment in the North West London area, get in touch today with NHS GP. Our dermatology specialist Dr Shazie Saddiqi offers daily consultations and sessions at our four clinics in Alperton, Queen’s Park, Wembley and Willesden.
Concerned about coming into a clinic due to COVID-19, or simply don’t have the time to make it in? Don’t worry about it, as we offer online help and treatment without you needing to come into the clinic, assessing your skin condition and matching you with a professional dermatologist to assist you. We also have a great system where you can upload a photo of your symptoms, and Dr Siddiqi will get back to you as soon as possible to talk through what she suspects your problem is.
If you want to find out more about what NHS GP can offer you, check out our website now for information about all the services we offer, and find the phone numbers and contact details of all 4 GP surgeries
Whether it is acne, eczema, rashes or dry skin most of us have dealt with some kind of skin issue at one point or another. It’s highly common and nothing to be embarrassed about. Lots of skin, hair and nail conditions will disappear over time, but others require treatment from a dermatologist, a doctor who specialises in skincare.
With this in mind, we are going to explore a few of the common signs you may need to pay a visit to a dermatologist. Read on to discover more.
Red and sore eyes can be an indicator of pink eye or possibly conjunctivitis. This is a skin condition that your dermatologist can potentially evaluate and treat. The recovery for both of these issues is often fairly quick thankfully, and people may not realize these things are a dermatological issue because they affect the skin around your eyes.
If you experience mouth ulcers or canker sores that come back fairly often then this could be a sign of specific digestive issues. Your dermatologist will be able to evaluate this and prescribe corticosteroids if they are required.
Very dry skin can be an indication of the changing weather but there is also the risk that it could be more serious such as a skin condition like eczema or possibly psoriasis. Whatever the cause may be dry, itchy, red, irritable or scaly skin can be really sore and quite painful. Consulting a trained and qualified dermatologist will be able to help determine the appropriate steps for skin treatment.
Hair loss is something that many people experience for lots of reasons. Believe it or not people actually lose between 50 to 100 strands a day, and that’s very normal. In some cases, hair loss can be for specific reasons such as, post-pregnancy or even related to stress or hormone imbalances or changes in your body.
Register with NHS GP today to speak with a skin specialist. Registration only takes a few minutes and doing so allows you to speak with qualified doctors, nurses, skin specialists and more. You can also find online support whenever you require it. Register today to get health care services at your fingertips.
Mental health is at the forefront of lots of Universities agendas at the moment and understandably too, it is something that really must be prioritised. Mental health issues are highly common amongst students as well as the wider population too, so it really is nothing to feel embarrassed about.
You may not realise it but there really is plenty of support available and some of the most common issues students experience include:
The various student support services available with NHS GP are at your disposal. All you need to do is register today for student health advice. This allows you to book or cancel appointments online but also enables you to keep your details up to date, order repeat prescriptions without having to visit a surgery in person.
If you are struggling and need some support, it’s really important that you speak to someone.
Often doing so brings an immediate sense of relief and there are often so many people who are willing to talk.
You may choose to speak to:
As well as this, many opt to speak to someone outside of their immediate circle. For example, there are plenty of student unions that also provide student-led services. Although these student mentors may not be qualified counsellors, you might want to talk about problems such as anxiety and low mood with someone who feels like more of a peer.
As well as this, Student Minds is the UK’s leading student mental health charity and Individual universities also usually have student night line services.
Becoming a student is a big transition for many young people. There are many changes relating to mental and physical health. For many, this is the first time that you’re living independently so accessing the right health advice is essential during your time as a student. If you’ve been feeling stressed about your studies or experiencing personal issues, our online resources and professional medical team are on hand to offer support across our four clinics in Wembley, Alperton, Willesden and Queen’s Park. Contact us for more.
If you are pregnant and considering abortion, you are not alone. Around 1 in 3 UK women have an abortion by the time they are 45. An abortion is classed as a type of procedure that allows you to terminate a pregnancy and the pregnancy is ended either by taking medicines or having a surgical procedure.
Making the choice to end a pregnancy is a big decision for anyone, so making sure you have all of the information and resources available to you in order to make an informed decision, is crucial.
With this in mind, we outline some key information relating to getting an abortion in the UK.
At the start of the process, you will be able to openly and confidentially discuss your feelings regarding your current pregnancy and possible abortion. Often this chat will take place either over the phone or in-person. You’ll likely be able to choose but it’s likely that this will take place over the phone.
You will be given all of the relevant and necessary information you need to make an informed decision and this will allow you fully explore all the options available. All of the information you discuss will be totally confidential.
After the abortion you may opt to see support service for additional guidance, support or emotional after care. Be mindful that some of these support services are geared towards promoting the view of a wider organisation, so make sure that you are using a verified organisation. Contact an organisation through your GP for advice on getting the necessary support in your area.
Lots of our patients will have abortions paid for via the National Health Service (NHS). In some cases, information about your location and GP may be required to see if funding is available. If you are a European national currently in the UK but don’t have access to NHS funding and are more than 10 weeks pregnant, please reach out to the Abortion Support Network for further guidance. You will be able to discuss NHS-funded treatments and see if you are eligible to receive this.
Your well-being should always be a number one priority. At NHS GP, we offer a range of clinical services for everyone including NHS including abortion services, weight loss management, drug and alcohol support and plenty more. Get your body and mind in the right place today and contact us for more information.
As the nights get longer and the weather gets colder, the chances of catching a cold or the flu increase. By getting a flu vaccine, you can be protected from the risk of getting seriously ill.
Read on to find out why you should consider getting a flu vaccine this winter.
A flu vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body that will help to protect from any influenza viruses that enter your body. Scientists work hard to identify which strains of the flu are likely to be more prevalent this season, designing the flu vaccine to combat these strains. No vaccines contain live viruses so will not give you the flu itself, just act as prevention.
The flu vaccine gives the best protection against flu and if you do catch it, the symptoms are likely to be milder and not last as long. It will also stop you from spreading the flu to other people who may be more at risk.
Because of the number of people staying indoors during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are less likely to have built up any natural immunity to protect against the flu this year. If you get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, you are much more likely to become seriously ill.
By getting vaccinated, you’re protecting yourself from both of these serious illnesses. If you’re eligible for your second dose of the COVID-19 jab or the booster, it is completely safe to have this and the flu jab at the same time.
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS for a few key groups. These are people who:
If you don’t fall into any of these categories, you can still get the flu vaccine, but it will not be available for free. You can have your flu vaccine at your GP surgery, a pharmacy, or at a hospital, depending on their availability. You should book soon to get your appointment as quickly as possible.
Most adults can and should get the flu vaccine, but you should avoid it if you are currently ill with a high temperature or have had a serious allergic reaction in the past. This may be due to an egg allergy. If so you can ask your GP for a low-egg or egg-free vaccine.
If you’re still unsure and live in the North London area, you can register with NHS GP online and book a video consultation, where a trained practitioner can explain to you the benefits of the flu vaccine. Alternatively, contact us at 0208 902 4792 if you have any questions.
It happens every year. Thousands of students leave home for the first time to travel to university in a different city. In the excitement of moving away, making new friends and getting stuck into the university experience, some tasks are forgotten about. One of these is registering with a new local GP.
Read on to find out why it’s very important not to forget to register with a new GP at university.
Registering with a local GP enables you to access the right health care whenever you need it. Unless you have a serious issue that requires calling 999 or going to A&E, visiting a GP will normally be the place you need to go for physical or mental health concerns.
Students often become ill much easier than other groups, due to new people from many different places mixing together for the first time. There is a lot of danger from different viruses such as mumps, which can spread quickly through students if unvaccinated. You should make sure your vaccines are up to date before you go to university or immediately after arriving. If you have ongoing health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy, it is vital to register to a university GP so you can get guaranteed access to the medicine you need.
Most UK based students will already be registered at their home GP, but we recommend you swap to a GP that is closer to your university address, as this is where you will spend most of your time. If you go home for holidays and need a GP, it is easy to be seen as a temporary patient or for emergency treatment. If you are an international student who is pursuing a full course of study for longer than six months, you are entitled to register with the NHS, meaning you don’t have to worry about not having access to healthcare.
You need to know a few facts about yourself in order to register at your new GP, so be prepared with this information:
For most 1st year students, the most convenient place to register is probably a health centre that is attached to your university. However, once you move away from campus and out into the community, you might find a more convenient local GP near your new accommodation.
If you live in the North London area, register with NHS GP for online GP services. This offers a range of health management tools, GP video consultation and the ability to manage ongoing prescriptions or appointments. For any questions, give us a call on 0208 902 4792 or visit our website now to complete our quick and easy online registration.
A medical issue is always scary, no matter how serious it can be. You may find yourself instinctively typing 999 into your phone for any problem, but could 111 actually be the right choice for your issue?
Read on to find out in what situation you should call 111 or 999.
You should call 111 if you think you may need to go to A&E, but the situation isn’t life-threatening or limb-threatening. A trained operator can provide you with urgent care and assessment over the phone. Problems you may want to call 111 for include:
Through 111 you can have a telephone or video consultation with a clinician, or they may book you an appointment to attend A&E or the Minor Injuries Unit. Booking an appointment with 111 in advance will save you waiting a long time in a hospital waiting room and taking up the space of someone who may need urgent help before you. 111 can be helpful if you’re not registered at a surgery, or you need advice and your surgery is closed for the day.
You should call 999 in a life-threatening medical emergency. This is when you or someone else is seriously ill or injured, putting their life at risk. Here are a few cases when you should call 999 and some of the symptoms:
If you believe you or someone is having a heart attack or stroke, call 999 immediately as every second counts with these conditions.
The simplest way to put it is that 999 is for emergencies and 111 is for non-emergencies.
If you’re unsure about who to call, always make 111 your first choice. They will ask questions about the issue and get you the help you need. They can help book an appointment for you, or get your urgent help if your emergency is more serious. You can even get help online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at https://111.nhs.uk/.
If you have a less serious issue, get in touch with NHS GP for online GP services. It’s quick and easy to register and you get access to a range of health management tools, GP video consultations and ongoing prescriptions or appointments at your local GP Practice in North London. Give us a call on 0208 902 4792 if you have any questions, or register online now.
he coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine helps to make us all safer. It has been proved safe and effective by independent experts, and gives you the best protection against coronavirus.
Who can currently get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.
At this time, the vaccine is being offered to:
Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
All those 75 years of age and over
All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on the government’s priority list
Wait to be contacted
The NHS will get in touch with you directly when it is your turn to be vaccinated. Please don’t contact your doctor or the NHS asking about vaccination; this is not a service that you are able to book in advance. The NHS will contact you when your turn comes in the months ahead. If you are contacted, please do attend the appointment.
In the meantime, it is vitally important that we all continue to follow the national public health guidance: wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and maintain safe social distancing. COVID-19 is still very much among us and highly infectious: the risk of catching it is the same as ever for people who have not been vaccinated.
There is more information about the COVID 19 vaccine on both the Government and the NHS websites, so please take time to click on these links and read through these pages if you want to find out more. You can also read the COVID vaccination guide for adults leaflet
We will keep you updated as plans for the vaccine programme progress in Brent.
Wembley NHS COVID Vaccination Centre
Appointments for the Wembley large vaccination site are by appointment only. You will only be able to book an appointment when you receive a letter from the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service. You will not be able to book an appointment until you receive your invite letter.
This letter will provide all the details you need to book a vaccination at a centre within 45 minutes of your home address. Please do not turn up at a vaccination site without an appointment, you will not be vaccinated.
You will be sent a letter from NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service when it is your turn to book in for your vaccination. Letters will initially go to people aged 80 and over who live in reasonable travelling distance of the locations that are open, and who haven’t already been vaccinated through other NHS vaccination services.
Please do not contact the council regarding bookings. All appointments are handled by the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service.
Directions for getting the Vaccination Centre, instructions for arrival and information about car parking, please visit the NHS North West London website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. The NHS only offers Covid-19 vaccinations to the public once independent experts have signed off that it is safe to do so. The MHRA, the official UK regulator, has said that both vaccines have good safety profiles and offer a high level of protection. The NHS says they have full confidence in the MHRA’s expert judgement and processes.
Could the vaccine be less effective for black people and other minority groups?
No, there is not any evidence that either of the vaccines will work differently among different ethnic groups. Around 10% of the Pfizer and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine trial participants were Black or African.
Can Muslims have the vaccine under Islamic law?
Yes, after discussion with experts, the British Islamic Medical Association encourages individuals to take the COVID vaccine as advised by their medical practitioner.
Does the vaccine include pork, gelatine or other animal products?
No, there is no material of animal origin in either vaccine. All ingredients are published in healthcare information on the MHRA’s website.
For detailed answers to all questions about the COVID vaccine, including how housebound residents will be vaccinated and when second doses will be given, please visit the NHS North West London website
Video: Getting the COVID Vaccine in Brent
Frontline care manager Yvonne Olasunkanmi explains what it was like to get the vaccine, why getting it was so important to her and encourages other Black, Asian and minority ethnic residents across the borough to get the vaccine when they are invited.
Video: Why the COVID Vaccine is safe and effective for everyone
Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities have been among the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Deputy Director of Public Health Dr John Licorish has recorded an important message for resident
WATCH Dr John Licorish’s message for residents
If you have any questions about the NHS COVID Vaccination Programme, please speak to a trusted person, such as your GP, or visit the NHS website
You can also watch this webinar
Staying safe
COVID-19 vaccine will always be free in the UK and delivered by the NHS. Patients will be sent a letter by the NHS call/recall service informing them of their eligibility, and receive a call from Primary Care Networks, offering the choice of booking at a GP-led vaccination centre or using the national booking service.
Remember, the vaccine is free of charge:
The NHS will never ask you for your bank account, card details, PIN or banking password.
The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad when on the phone
The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
Everyone has a responsibility to help stop Covid-19. From wearing a mask to avoiding crowds and constant handwashing, everything you do to help slow the spread will contribute to keeping the country safe. NHS coronavirus testing is part of this strategy.
Here’s why coronavirus testing is important.
There are multiple tests available for testing for coronavirus. In the UK, you have the option of the PCR test or the rapid lateral flow test. Both tests are free to take. They may be administered by a health professional, or you may be given a kit to test yourself at home.
The PCR test is usually taken by those who already have symptoms or who have been exposed to the virus. The test involves using a swab that is rubbed over the tonsils or the back of the throat, as well as inside the nose. The test is placed in a tube and sent to a lab for testing. You should take a PCR test if you have a fever, a new cough that is constant, or a change to your sense of smell or taste. You should also take it if you know you have been exposed or if your rapid lateral flow test shows positive. If your PCR test comes back negative, you need to talk to a doctor. A good option for this, if you have mild or no symptoms, is a GP online consultation. This allows you to discuss the issue with your GP, but you don’t need to expose anyone at the office.
This test is meant for those who do not have symptoms, but which to ensure they do not have coronavirus. The test is quite simple and gives a rapid result. You’ll need to fill the tube with the provided liquid, though some come with a pre-filled tube. You should blow your nose before the test. Rub the swab over your tonsils or the back of your throat and then inside your nose. Some tests use only the nose swab. The end of the swab is then dipped in the liquid and then squeezed onto a test strip. You’ll need to wait the allotted amount of time and then look at the result. This test should be repeated every three or four days until your exposure window is over if you have been exposed.
Testing is the only way to know for certain if someone has the virus. The test can check whether the person has symptoms or not. It’s important to know if you are positive. However, remember that even if the test is negative, you could still have the coronavirus. This means, if you are exposed to someone who is definitely positive, you need to take extra precautions for the next couple of weeks.
If you have been exposed, you should follow COVID-19 advice:
– Wash your hands frequently
– Practice physical distancing
– Wear a face mask
After a test that comes up positive, you’ll need to isolate yourself and have those who have been in contact with you tested.
Here are some reasons you should consider regular testing to ensure you’re negative:
It’s essential that everyone do their part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This means you need to know if you are infected. Testing for the virus allows us to improve everyone’s health and ensure that fewer people become ill. Whether you are vaccinated or not, it’s important to continue testing to be certain you’re not carrying the virus without knowing it.
Even if you don’t have symptoms or only have mild symptoms, you can begin treatment for COVID-19 as soon as you know you are positive. Since one-third of those infected with the virus don’t have symptoms, it’s important to check regularly if you are out and about. The moment you are aware of a positive test result, you should self-isolate, so you don’t pass the virus on to others. Anyone who is living in the same house or flat should also be tested to see if they are positive. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can still be contagious.
If you have been able to get vaccinated, you may feel more confident about your health. You know that you’re less likely to develop serious symptoms even if you are infected. However, it’s important that you still take care not to infect other people. Not everyone can get the vaccine, and this means they are vulnerable to the virus. Small children and those with health issues that make it impossible to vaccinate them can be in danger if others are carrying the virus and expose them. To prevent this, test yourself regularly and be sure to avoid exposing anyone else if you test positive.
One of the biggest issues with COVID-19 is the possibility of a health system collapse. To ensure the NHS doesn’t overexert itself or use up all resources, it’s important that people are tested and treated as soon as they test positive. This reduces the chances of a patient requiring more intensive care and using up valuable resources. Those resources may then be used for other reasons, since the usual diseases and accidents still occur.
Everyone is capable of saving a life or even multiple lives. By testing, you ensure that you know when you are sick, despite being asymptomatic. You can then take extra care not to infect someone else. This may seem simple or irritating, but it makes a huge difference to those who are not exposed because of your actions.
Everyone is frustrated with the restrictions and lockdowns that have become a normal part of life. With the pandemic stretching on, there is definitely some pandemic fatigue, but it’s important to continue taking measures to control the virus. It’s only possible to reduce the restrictions if everyone is testing and taking precautions.
Whether you are testing at home or at a testing site, be aware that if you do test positive, you need to isolate yourself. This is the first thing you should do, to limit exposure to others around you.
Next, you can schedule a GP online consultation, which you can do via NHS online. This will allow your doctor to talk to you about the options for treatment and to provide you with details on when to seek outside help. In many cases, you can remain at home to recover. This is one of the reasons NHS coronavirus testing is so important, as it helps people get the test results early on. They can then take the first steps toward recovery before the virus has really taken hold.
You’ll need to monitor your symptoms and talk to your doctor if they get worse. The doctor may make suggestions for medications to help ease any symptoms you have. These can be delivered by a pharmacy, so you never need to leave the house, for a consultation or getting your medication.
The ability to see a doctor online has changed the way we treat coronavirus. It’s now possible to stay home for the entire process, including getting a test to do at home. If you’re interested in getting more Covid-19 advice, you can look at the NHS online page to learn more about the available tests, doctor’s appointments online, and advice for staying safe during the pandemic.
Did you know you can test at home? With NHS coronavirus testing kits, it’s possible to do the test at home and get the results within half an hour for the rapid test. Let’s learn a bit more about the home COVID-19 test and how to use it.
There are two main types of coronavirus tests that are used in the UK. These may be administered by a health worker or you may use the home test kit.
PCR: This test is recommended for anyone who is experiencing symptoms, including:
– Loss of taste or smell
– High temperature
– Persistent cough
The test takes longer to do and is considered more accurate. You can do this test and then send it in to a lab, which will test your sample and give you the results.
Rapid lateral flow test: This type of test is similar to a pregnancy test in the way it works, but it provides faster results than the PCR test. You should consider taking this test if you don’t have symptoms but feel you may have been exposed. It can be taken twice a week to ensure you’re not infected.
You can pick up your test at a test site or you can have it sent to your home. Either option works well.
Step 1: Clean your hands thoroughly.
Step 2: Open the test and set out all the items on a clean surface.
Step 3: Blow your nose and wash your hands.
Step 4: Use the swab to carefully rub where your tonsils are or would be. You should not touch the swab to your tongue, teeth, or gums.
Step 5: Using the same swab, insert it in your nose about 2.5 cm and swirl it lightly around the nostril.
Step 6: Drop the swab side of the stick down in the tube and close it tightly.
Step 7: Place the tube in the provided bag.
Step 8: Return the test to the test site worker or post it in a Royal Mail priority post-box. It cannot be sent via a non-priority post-box or the Post Office.
Step 9: Wait for your results.
The most common type of home COVID-19 test is the rapid lateral flow home test. It doesn’t require sending the sample to a lab and the results are available in 15-30 minutes, depending on the test.
There are two versions of these tests. One requires a throat and nose swab and the other is only for a nose swab. Be sure to check the instructions to determine which type of test you have.
Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly.
Step 2: Take everything out of the kit and place it on a clean surface.
Step 3: Put the tube in the tube holder. If it’s not pre-filled, fill it with the provided liquid and close the lid.
Step 4: Blow your nose and wash your hands.
Step 5: If you have a nasal only test, skip to the next step. Use the swab to rub your tonsils or where they should be. Do not touch the swab to your gums, teeth, or tongue.
Step 6: Use the same swab and insert it into your nose about 2.5 cm and swirl it around.
Step 7: Put the swab end of the stick into the tube and let it soak up the liquid.
Step 8: Squeeze out the test tube liquid onto the test strip.
Step 9: Wait the amount of time listed in the instructions and check the test. You should see one or two lines.
Step 10: Record your test results online with the QR code or the ID number.
You can take this test more frequently since it is a rapid test. It’s recommended that you take it every three or four days to ensure you catch any infection early on.
You can take a home test whenever you suspect you may have been exposed to coronavirus. It’s worth the peace of mind to take a rapid test. You should also take a test if:
If you are told to present a negative test result for any occasion, you should take a test. You may also wish to test yourself twice a week to ensure you know if you are positive very quickly. Anyone in a high-risk occupation will want to do this.
It can be scary to see a positive test result, but if you do get a positive, don’t panic. First, you’ll need to stay away from other people and self-isolate. This means you should not have contact with anyone outside the home and it’s best to stay away from those in the home, as well, until they have been tested.
You’ll need to self-isolate for up to two weeks, or until you test negative, but your doctor can advise you on this. Speaking to a doctor is the next step in staying safe. Once you’ve received a positive result, you should contact your doctor and get their Covid-19 advice. It’s essential that you follow your doctor’s advice and report any symptoms you may develop. If you’re prescribed medicine, then you should make sure you take it as ordered.
If you need to know more about coronavirus and NHS coronavirus testing, NHS online offers plenty of information to keep you up to date. You’ll also find clinical services offered online so you can consult with a doctor and get personalised attention.
The doctor will evaluate your results and ensure you have the necessary treatment. They will also advise you if you need to visit the hospital for more intensive care. To schedule NHS online clinical services, you can visit our page.
