Why flu to GP?

and leave the doctors free for those with aggravated complaints like asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia.
Trouble is it can be difficult for the layman to self-diagnose these conditions. When I had a severe attack of the virus over New Year, I was finding it difficult to breathe and my coughing was so violent that my whole rib cage felt sore. So yes, I saw a nurse practitioner via our 'urgent care' system for fear that I had a chest infection and would need antibiotics. Luckily no, but I was prescribed ventolin to help my breathing - I have no history of asthma, so was not able to determine that this was the problem.

Totally agree Baggs
There is nothing a GP can do, we just have to take the paracetamol, keep the fluids up , stay indoors (bed or armchair) and leave the doctors free for those with aggravated complaints like asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia.
There is a culture these days of seeing the doctor for the slightest thing (and if it’s the w/e of course, hitting A&E) so of course the appointments system breaks down makimg it impossible for those who really need help to get it. Perhaps better triage at the point of booking - a nurse rather than a receptionist might help, but we do need to take more responsibility for our own health.

Maybe people are scared of how ill they are feeling and need reasurrance and a quick check over that they havent got a chest infectionbrewing.

I feel sorry for the GP's and staff having to put themselves at risk of catching all sorts working in that enviroment.

I'm sure some people are there with flu or a heavy cold, not quite believing the advice they have been given, and there will always be people who want to fuss. But:

1. You can only self certificate for illness for 1 week (I believe that's still the case). A serious bout of flu may last 2-3 weeks, and means you need a 'doctor's note' for work / sick pay.
2. Some employers actually demand a note for shorter periods, and notes are sometimes needed for other agencies such as schools, courts, social services etc.
3. Anyone with a pre-existing condition may need to have their medication or other treatment modified.
4. 'Just flu' can lead to other conditions, so patients may be there with other symptoms.

Whoa there ninny A charge of £10 may also prevent some people getting vital treatment

I think there's a massive culture of "going to the GP" in the UK - I (foolishly) volunteered to be on the Patient Participation Group of our local practice (I resigned after a year). I was amazed at how much people are wrapped up in what goes on at their GP practice.

I'm going to stick my neck out and say that even on these forums, "go to the GP" is often one of the first suggestions that come up...

I was going to start this thread baggs. Why indeed!!

There are obviously people who do need a doctor but not that many.

Baffling and selfish!

Because some people are selfish and are only interested in themselves and are not concerned if they give anyone else the flu etc, sneezing, coughing without covering their face. I'm keeping away from the doctors. I realise with some conditions you have to visit your GP but I think there should be a charge say £10 and that would get rid of time wasters.

Couldn’t get out of bed..

Can’t understand it either Baggs plus the one time I had ‘flu I could get out of bed let alone struggle to the GP.