Sore Throat

Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own within a week. Some are bacterial and benefit from antibiotics. Telling the two apart is what this service is for — our pharmacist can assess your throat and, where it is appropriate, supply treatment without you seeing a GP.

This is an NHS Pharmacy First service. The consultation is free, and there is no prescription charge unless you normally pay for prescriptions and one is issued.

Who we can treat

Adults and children aged five and over with a sore throat.

The pharmacist will ask about a specific set of features — fever, swollen glands, white spots on the tonsils, whether or not you have a cough — because together those give a reliable picture of how likely a bacterial infection is.

When we will send you elsewhere

• Children under five.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or drooling — this needs urgent care.
• A sore throat that has lasted more than two weeks.
• Anyone with a weakened immune system.
• Symptoms that suggest something other than a simple throat infection, such as a rash or severe stiffness in the neck.

How the appointment works

We are an NHS distance selling pharmacy, so this consultation is by phone. Book a time and a pharmacist will call you. You may be asked to send a photograph of the back of your throat — a torch and someone to help usually gets a clearer picture than a mirror.

Anything supplied is dispensed and delivered to your door free of charge.

Treatment

For most people the right answer is rest, fluids, and pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Medicated lozenges can help with discomfort. Where the assessment points to a bacterial infection, the pharmacist can supply a course of antibiotics. Finish the course even once you feel better.

When to get help sooner

Contact your GP or NHS 111 if you cannot swallow fluids, if the pain is severe and getting worse, or if you have a very high temperature. Call 999 for any difficulty breathing.