Regarding of who should attend at A&E, especially for 'flu like symptoms we need to change the way we think of our entire health system. When we lived in Spain, the first port of call when you were sick was the local pharmacy. The pharmacist would speak with you (and with extensive local knowledge) immediately know what you needed. Without prescription from a GP you would be supplied with whatever was required. You paid for what was supplied, went home and probably cured within a few days. Only if the XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX/syrup didn't work were you to attend the local GP. This appears to be working for many years in Spain. OK! Over the past few years medical people in this part of europe are trying to ensure the system in Spain is changed. It's all about money.
Years ago, we (in Ireland) were promised that we would have nurses who could write prescriptions for patients. This was challenged strongly by our doctors. Of course, their power was being somewhat reduced and their earning power reduced. I see no reason why our pharmacists in the pharmacies could not be used to a greater extent. They cost less, cure more and have the confidence of many.
So, until we have a great change of mindset we continue to visit bacteria infested A & E facilities where we have a greater chance of becoming sicker than toddling down to the local pharmacist.