Sore Throat Treatment
Sore Throat Treatment
If you or your child has a painful, dry or scratchy throat, our pharmacist may be able to help through the NHS Pharmacy First service.
Adults and children aged 5 years and over can be assessed for a sore throat through Pharmacy First without needing to see a GP first. Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms, provide advice and, where clinically appropriate, supply treatment.
What is a sore throat?
Sore throats are very common and are usually caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. They can also sometimes be caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.
Most sore throats are not serious and usually get better by themselves within a week. However, if you or your child is aged 5 years or over, our pharmacist can assess the symptoms and determine whether additional treatment may be appropriate.
You can find more information on the NHS sore throat information page.
What are the symptoms of a sore throat?
Common symptoms can include:
- Pain or discomfort in the throat
- Pain when swallowing
- A dry or scratchy feeling in the throat
- Redness at the back of the mouth
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Bad breath
- A mild cough
- A high temperature, particularly in children
- Feeling generally unwell or less active
Sore throat symptoms can also occur with conditions such as tonsillitis or strep throat. Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.
NHS Pharmacy First Sore Throat Service
Through NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess adults and children aged 5 years and over who have symptoms of a sore throat.
During your consultation, the pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, your medical history and any medicines you are currently taking.
Where appropriate, the pharmacist may also examine your throat and neck to help determine the likely cause of your symptoms.
Following the assessment, our pharmacist will provide advice and recommend the most appropriate treatment. If a bacterial infection is considered likely and you meet the NHS clinical criteria, antibiotic treatment may be supplied without you needing to see your GP.
If your symptoms require further investigation or medical attention, our pharmacist will explain where you should seek further help.
You can find out more about the service on the NHS England Pharmacy First page.
Who can use this service?
The NHS Pharmacy First sore throat pathway is available to people who:
- Are aged 5 years or over
- Have symptoms of an acute sore throat
- Meet the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway criteria
Children under 5 years old are not covered by the Pharmacy First sore throat clinical pathway and should be assessed by their GP if they need help with a sore throat.
Some symptoms or medical conditions may also mean that further assessment from another healthcare professional is required. Our pharmacist will advise you if Pharmacy First is not suitable.
Get help in 4 easy steps
1. Contact our pharmacy
Book an appointment if you or your child aged 5 years or over has a sore throat and would like professional advice.
2. Speak to our pharmacist
Our pharmacist will discuss the symptoms, how long they have been present, relevant medical history and any medicines currently being taken.
3. Clinical assessment
The pharmacist will assess the symptoms and, where appropriate, examine the throat and neck. They will also check for any warning signs that may require further medical attention.
4. Advice and treatment
We will explain the most appropriate next steps. Where clinically appropriate under the NHS Pharmacy First pathway, treatment may be supplied directly from the pharmacy.
How is a sore throat treated?
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better without antibiotics. Treatment is usually focused on relieving pain and discomfort while your body fights the infection.
Our pharmacist can advise you about suitable treatments, which may include pain relief or medicated lozenges depending on your age and individual circumstances.
If our pharmacist’s assessment indicates that you may have a bacterial infection and you meet the NHS clinical criteria, antibiotic treatment may be appropriate.
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Most people with a sore throat do not need antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections and will not usually relieve symptoms or speed up recovery from a viral sore throat.
Our pharmacist will carry out a clinical assessment to help determine whether antibiotics are appropriate. This helps ensure that antibiotics are only used when they are likely to provide a clinical benefit.
If antibiotics are supplied, you should take them exactly as directed.
How can I manage a sore throat at home?
There are several things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of a sore throat:
- Drink plenty of water
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat cool or soft foods
- Avoid smoking and smoky environments
- Use suitable pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if appropriate for you
- Suck ice cubes, ice lollies or suitable hard sweets, but do not give young children small or hard items because of the risk of choking
- Gargle with warm salty water if appropriate – children should not do this
Our pharmacist can also advise you about medicines that may help relieve pain and discomfort.
For further self-care advice, visit the NHS guide to sore throats.
When should I contact NHS 111?
You should seek urgent medical advice if you or your child has a sore throat and:
- You are worried about the symptoms
- You have a very high temperature or feel hot, cold or shivery
- You have signs of dehydration, such as passing less urine than usual or dark, strong-smelling urine
- You have a weakened immune system, for example because of certain medical conditions or treatments
You can get urgent medical advice through NHS 111 online.
When should I call 999?
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or your child:
- Has difficulty breathing
- Is unable to swallow
- Is drooling because they cannot swallow
- Is making a high-pitched sound while breathing
- Has severe symptoms that are getting worse quickly
These symptoms can indicate a more serious condition and require immediate medical attention.
How long does a sore throat last?
Most sore throats get better by themselves within a week.
If your sore throat has not improved after a week, keeps returning, or you have other persistent symptoms, you should speak to your GP.
Do I need to see my GP first?
No. If you or your child is aged 5 years or over and needs help with a sore throat, you can contact a participating community pharmacy directly for an NHS Pharmacy First assessment.
You may also be referred to Pharmacy First by your GP practice, NHS 111 or another NHS healthcare service.
Convenient NHS care from your local pharmacy
NHS Pharmacy First makes it easier to access professional healthcare for common conditions such as sore throats without needing to wait for a GP appointment.
Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms, provide advice and, where clinically appropriate, supply treatment through the NHS service.
Book an appointment today
If you or your child is aged 5 years or over and needs help with a sore throat, book an appointment with our pharmacy team. Our pharmacist can assess the symptoms and advise you on the most appropriate treatment.
