Sore throat (ages 5 & over)
A sore throat can be an irritating and uncomfortable condition, often making swallowing painful and leaving your throat feeling dry or scratchy. While most sore throats are mild and resolve on their own, symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause.
Sore throats are very common and can sometimes make eating, drinking, or even sleeping more difficult. In most cases, they are caused by viral infections like colds or the flu, but other factors can also trigger throat discomfort, including
- Tonsillitis – an infection of the tonsils
- Strep throat – a bacterial infection in the throat
- Laryngitis – inflammation of the voice box or vocal cords
- Glandular fever – a viral infection that causes throat swelling
Under the NHS Pharmacy First Service, our pharmacists can offer advice and treatment for sore throats in individuals aged 5 and over in England. No appointment is needed, and where appropriate, we can also provide certain prescription medications to help with symptom relief.
When you visit our pharmacy for sore throat support, our team may:
- Discuss your symptoms to assess the severity of your sore throat
- Provide guidance on managing symptoms effectively
- Recommend appropriate treatments, including pain relief or throat sprays
- Refer you to a GP if your symptoms require further medical attention
Although many people can access this convenient service, certain exclusions apply. These include:
- Pregnant individuals under 16
- Cases requiring urgent medical attention
