Coronavirus: Portsmouth GP pleads with public not to stockpile after misleading Facebook post wreaks 'havoc'

A GP is urging the public not to make unnecessary medication requests after being inundated by patients asking for prescriptions.
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Dr Penny Wilson, a GP at Trafalgar Medical Practice in Southsea, is pleading with residents in Portsmouth and beyond to be sensible over requests and not to stockpile medicines over Covid-19 worries.

Dr Wilson told The News that a post on Facebook telling people with respiratory conditions to contact their GP for a ‘Rescue Pack’, including prednisolone and antibiotics, was causing havoc.

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She said: ‘I was duty GP yesterday for our 23,500 patients and was absolutely inundated with unnecessary requests for medications.

Penny Wilson who is a GP at Trafalgar Medical Group Practice in SouthseaPenny Wilson who is a GP at Trafalgar Medical Group Practice in Southsea
Penny Wilson who is a GP at Trafalgar Medical Group Practice in Southsea

‘There is a message doing the rounds on Facebook which is causing havoc. Patients should not request prednisolone and antibiotics if this is not part of their usual treatment.

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‘Neither of these are treatments for Covid-19, and are only required by patients with severe asthma or severe COPD - patients in these groups who require these medications regularly will already have these “rescue medications”.’

Many GP surgeries have closed their doors to patients and instead are carrying out telephone and video consultations in a bid to limit the spread of Covid-19.Dr Wilson added: ‘Pharmacies are running out of inhalers because of so many requests that are not clinically indicated, potentially depriving patients who do need these treatments for their severe lung disease.

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‘GPs are dealing with a high volume of clinical workload with patients with breathing (and other) issues, rapidly having to adjust to telephone and video consultations, and the cannot cope with the unnecessary administration of dealing with requests that are not clinically necessary.

‘Do not stockpile medications, it’s causing havoc with the supply-demand chain.

‘Please respect your NHS.’

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

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As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS

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