Unwell Over Christmas? How to Get Medical Help When GP Surgeries Are Closed
Article summary:
For emergencies, always call 999
If you want a same day appointment online on 23rd, 24th, 25th or 26th December, you can book with us!
It’s safer to get your problem seen to now, than letting it continue until other practices open again in the New Year.
Why it’s so hard to get medical help over Christmas:
Every year, the same problem arises: people become unwell just as GP surgeries close for the festive period. From 22–28 December, many practices operate with:
Limited availability
Reduced staffing
Long NHS 111 wait times
Overstretched urgent care services
Closed pharmacies and clinics
Unfortunately, illness doesn’t pause for Christmas. Flu, viral infections, UTIs, chest infections, ear infections and cold sores continue to occur — often at the worst possible time.
What medical problems commonly flare up over Christmas?
Over the festive period, we commonly see:
Flu & viral infections
Chest, sinus & ear infections
UTIs (often triggered by dehydration)
Cold sore outbreaks (stress + lowered immunity)
Medication queries & urgent advice needs
These conditions often feel too worrying to ignore, but not severe enough for A&E — leaving people stuck with no clear route to care.
What to do if your GP is closed and you’re unwell or need a prescription
If you’re unwell over Christmas, your safest options are:
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Online consultations allow you to:
Speak to a clinician from home
Get symptom assessment
Receive treatment guidance
Access prescriptions when clinically appropriate
Avoid waiting rooms and long NHS delays
This is often the fastest and safest option over the holidays.
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This may offer advice, but wait times are often long during Christmas, and many callers are redirected to already overwhelmed urgent care services.
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A&E should be used for:
Severe breathlessness
Chest pain
Collapse
Confusion
Signs of severe infection
It is not designed for routine infections or medication queries.
When you should NOT wait until January
You should seek medical advice promptly if you develop:
Fever lasting more than 4–5 days
Worsening flu symptoms
Chest tightness or breathlessness
Severe sore throat or ear pain
Burning urine, back pain or UTI symptoms
Cold sores that are unusually painful or spreading
Vomiting preventing fluid intake
Symptoms during pregnancy
Long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease
Delaying assessment can result in:
Longer illness
Secondary infections
Hospital admission
Avoidable complications
Online Consultations at Pharmacy Clinic Edinburgh over Christmas
While our physical clinic is closed from 22–28 December, we are offering private online consultations on selected days for:
✅ Flu & viral illness
✅ UTIs
✅ Cold sores
✅ Chest, ear & sinus infections
✅ Medication advice
✅ Prescriptions when clinically appropriate
This allows you to:
Get assessed safely from home
Avoid unnecessary NHS delays
Receive early treatment
Get clear guidance on when hospital care is (or isn’t) needed
