When you have a sore throat it can be uncomfortable to eat, drink and talk. That’s why it’s important to get the best medicine and advice to feel back to normal.
During our sore throat service our expert Pharmacists will ask you a series of questions and examine your throat to determine the possible cause of your pain.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work against viruses. A smaller number are caused by bacteria and may benefit from antibiotic treatment. Where it is appropriate, the pharmacist may take a quick swab from the back of your throat to check for a bacterial infection. The result is available within minutes, during the same consultation.
If the test and examination suggest a bacterial infection, the pharmacist can supply antibiotics there and then, without you needing to see your GP. If your sore throat is viral, they will recommend treatments to ease the pain, such as lozenges, sprays or painkillers, and give you advice on looking after yourself while you recover.
Using antibiotics only when they are really needed helps to keep them working for everyone. Taking them when they are not needed will not help you get better faster and can cause side effects.
A sore throat usually gets better by itself within about a week. Please seek urgent medical advice if you have difficulty breathing, are unable to swallow, are drooling, or have a very high temperature. Eligibility criteria apply to this service. Speak to a member of staff if you have any questions, or book a consultation online.