😷 NHS Pharmacy First – Sore Throat Assessment & Treatment

🩺 Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) – NHS Service

A sore throat is a common condition caused by viral or bacterial infections. Symptoms may include pain when swallowing, a dry or scratchy throat, swollen tonsils, and fever.

😷 Many sore throats improve with self‑care and do not require antibiotics. Some bacterial infections may benefit from treatment following a clinical assessment.

🏥 With the NHS Pharmacy First service, eligible patients can receive assessment, advice, and treatment directly from a pharmacist without needing a GP appointment.

👥 Who Can Use This Service?

You may be eligible if:

✅ You are aged 5 years or over

✅ Your symptoms started within the last 7 days

✅ You do not have severe breathing or swallowing difficulties

✅ You are not severely unwell

🩺 A pharmacist will carry out a private consultation to confirm whether this service is suitable and what the best next step is for you.

🔍 Common Symptoms

A sore throat may present with:

😖 Pain or discomfort when swallowing

🔴 Redness or swelling of the throat or tonsils

🌡️ Fever, shivers, or flu‑like symptoms

🦠 Swollen glands in the neck

⚪ White patches or pus on the tonsils

Because many sore throats are viral, antibiotics are not always the right option — a clinical assessment helps determine the most appropriate treatment.

💊 How We Can Help

If eligible, the pharmacist may:

🩺 Assess your symptoms and medical history

🧪 Consider a throat swab test where appropriate

💊 Supply antibiotics only if clinically indicated

💧 Provide advice on pain relief, hydration, and self‑care

📤 Refer you to your GP or urgent care if needed

🔒 Consultations are confidential and carried out in a private consultation room.

⚠️ When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

Please seek urgent medical advice if:

❌ You have difficulty breathing or severe difficulty swallowing

❌ You are drooling, have severe neck stiffness, or cannot open your mouth properly

❌ You have a very high fever or feel seriously unwell

❌ Symptoms last longer than 7 days, worsen, or keep returning

❌ A child becomes drowsy, floppy, or difficult to wake

If your symptoms are not suitable for Pharmacy First, we will advise you on the safest next step.

📅 Appointments & Cost

📱 Appointments recommended (walk‑ins may be available)

⏱️ Quick, convenient consultations

💙 FREE on the NHS for eligible patients

🌟 Why Choose Prescriptions Pharmacy?

✔ NHS Pharmacy First provider

✔ No GP appointment required (for eligible cases)

✔ Pharmacist‑led clinical assessment

✔ Fast access to treatment and self‑care advice

✔ Convenient local healthcare in the community

We work closely with the NHS to help patients access safe, timely care.

🔗 Other NHS Pharmacy First Services Available

🩺 Ear infection (acute otitis media)

🩺 Impetigo

🩺 Insect bites and stings

🩺 Shingles

🩺 Sinusitis

🩺 Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI)

📘 Learn More About Sore Throats

👉 Learn more about sore throats on the NHS website