NHS Pharmacy First · Age 5+
Sore throat
Most sore throats get better on their own within a week, but our pharmacists can help relieve your symptoms and check whether you need treatment.
Sore throats are very common and are usually caused by viruses such as colds or flu. Under Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can assess your symptoms using a recognised scoring system and decide whether treatment may help.
Common symptoms
- A painful, scratchy throat, especially when swallowing
- Red or swollen tonsils
- A high temperature, aches and tiredness
How we can help
- Advice on soothing your throat and managing pain and fever
- Lozenges, sprays and pain relief where suitable
- NHS treatment for people aged 5 and over when the pharmacist assesses it is needed
When to get urgent help: call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child have difficulty breathing or swallowing, are drooling, or are making a high-pitched sound when breathing.
NHSRead more about sore throats on the NHS website
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