Sore Throat - Pharmacy First

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Advice and treatment service for sore throat

Access expert advice and NHS-funded* treatment for sore throat at your local participating pharmacy through the Pharmacy First Service without the need to see your GP. Children aged 5 years old and over and adults suffering from acute sore throat due to suspected streptococcal infection may be eligible for this service.

Search for your nearest participating pharmacy and book online.

How It Works?

We strive to offer the best possible experience to our customers

Search Clinic

Search for your nearest participating pharmacy that offers advice and treatment for sore throat infection.

Book Appointment

Once you have found the right clinic, simply book an appointment at a time that suits you.

Attend Clinic

Attend the clinic at the booked time for advice and treatment for sore throat infection.

Featured Pharmacies

Find featured pharmacies that offer the NHS Pharmacy First Service. This service includes seven different common conditions including sore throat infection.

What causes a sore throat?

Sore throat is a common condition and usually will clear by itself within a week. In most cases, it is caused by a viral infection and less commonly by bacterial infection. It is also associated with a number of other conditions. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms to try and determine the cause of the sore throat.

What are the main signs and symptoms?

Sore throat is associated with a number of signs and symptoms. These include:

  • Painful throat, especially when swallowing
  • Temperature
  • Swollen neck glands
  • Feeling unwell
  • Redness in the back of the throat
  • Bad breath

Children usually can show the same symptoms and they may have a fever and appear less active than usual.

What treatments are available through the Pharmacy First Service for Sore Throat?

A pharmacist will assess your symptoms during a consultation and if it is clinically appropriate and you are eligible through the NHS Pharmacy First service, a treatment may be offered to you for the sore throat. The available treatment options include:

Antibiotic tablets/Oral Solution (For the treatment of acute sore throat due to suspected streptococcal infection.)

If you are not eligible for treatment through the Pharmacy First Service or the available treatments are not suitable for you, the pharmacist may recommend an alternative treatment option or sign-post you to another service.

For up-to-date advice and information on the impetigo infection, visit the NHS.uk webpage.

What is the Pharmacy First Service?

The Pharmacy First Service is an NHS service designed to offer free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions. Patients can access this service at participating pharmacies in England. The additional conditions covered by this service include:

Find your nearest pharmacy offering the Pharmacy First Service and book online.

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