Sore Throat Treatment Nationwide
About sore throat
Sore throats are not usually serious and get better by themselves within a week. You can usually treat them at home.
Common symptoms
- Pain or discomfort in the throat
- Swelling and redness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness or loss of voice
How Longhill Pharmacy can help
Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and, where appropriate, supply treatment on the spot through Pharmacy First - saving you a GP appointment and getting you sorted faster. We'll also give practical advice on self-care and when to seek further help.
NHS guidance on sore throat
How to treat a sore throat yourself
To help soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts, you can:
- gargle with warm, salty water (children should not try this)
- drink plenty of water
- eat cool or soft foods
- avoid smoking or smoky places
- suck ice cubes, ice lollies or hard sweets – but do not give young children anything small and hard to suck because of the risk of choking
- rest
Treatments that may help a sore throat
You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as:
- paracetamol or ibuprofen
- medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine
- anaesthetic spray (although there's little proof they help when used on their own)
You can buy these treatments from a supermarket or pharmacy without a prescription.
Some medicines are not safe for everyone (for example, if you're pregnant). Always check the leaflet or speak to a pharmacist before taking them.
Antibiotics
You do not normally need antibiotics for a sore throat because they will not usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
You'll only be given antibiotics by a pharmacist or GP if you could have a bacterial infection.
Read the full NHS guide to sore throat →
Content supplied by the NHS website.
Page last reviewed: 7 April 2024 · Next review due: 7 April 2027
Frequently asked questions
Can I get sore throat treatment without seeing a GP?
Yes. Through NHS Pharmacy First our pharmacist can assess and treat sore throat directly - including prescription medicine where appropriate - with no GP appointment or referral needed. The consultation is free.
Who is eligible for sore throat treatment?
Pharmacy First for this condition covers 5 years and over. Our pharmacist will confirm your eligibility during the consultation and refer you on if another service is more suitable.
How quickly can I be seen?
We offer same-day consultations online or by phone in most cases. Book online or call 01429 402141 and we'll help you as soon as possible.
Other conditions we treat
Get treated for sore throat today
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