Hey mates,

Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked in pharmacy practice: authenticity.

Every day, we have dozens—sometimes hundreds—of interactions with patients.

But how many of those conversations actually matter?

How many times do we go beyond the script and actually connect?

With cold and flu season around the corner, there’s a real opportunity here.

People aren’t just coming in for a box of paracetamol or a cough syrup—they’re looking for reassurance, guidance, and sometimes just someone who actually listens.

This is the perfect time for pharmacists, interns, and even pharmacy owners to shift the conversation beyond the quick fix.

Instead of just answering, “What’s the best cold & flu tablet?”—why not ask:

“How often do you find yourself getting sick during this time of year?”

“Do you have young kids or elderly parents at home who might be at higher risk?”

“Have you looked into ways to support your immune system before symptoms even start?”

High-risk groups—older adults, pregnant women, those with chronic conditions—need us to go beyond just dispensing.

They need our expertise, our insight, and, most importantly, our genuine care.

Your Cold & Flu Season Patient Engagement Checklist (Print this out and keep it at your workstation!)

✅ Start the conversation – Ask patients about their past experiences with cold & flu season and any concerns they have.

✅ Screen for high-risk patients – Identify elderly customers, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions who may need extra care.

✅ Provide immune support advice – Discuss vitamins, probiotics, and lifestyle factors that contribute to better immune health.

✅ Promote flu vaccinations – Encourage patients to book their flu shot early, and offer same-day vaccinations where possible.

✅ Educate on symptom management – Explain the difference between viral and bacterial infections and when to see a doctor.

✅ Highlight preventative measures – Reinforce the importance of hand hygiene, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest.

✅ Set up a health campaign – Use in-store posters, social media, and local outreach to remind your community about flu prevention.

✅ Reach out to pharmacy bodies – Organisations like the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and PSA can provide updated guidelines and resources to keep your team on track.

When you show up authentically, patients notice—and they come back.

Let’s use this cold & flu season as an opportunity to connect, educate, and lead in our communities.

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Need More Pharmacy Resources?

If you're looking for more tools to sharpen your skills and stay ahead, here’s what I’ve put together for you:

📖 Free eBooks & Guides – Covering everything from pharmacy career growth to patient communication strategies.

💡 The Pharmacy Down Under Community – Join like-minded pharmacists, interns, and students in an exclusive space for ongoing learning and discussion.

🎓 Skool Membership – Get access to live training sessions, exam prep, and interactive pharmacy learning.

Check them out anytime—they're here to support your journey.

What’s your go-to approach for having real, engaging conversations with patients? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Talk soon,

Gus

Pharmacy Down Under