Sore Throat
A sore throat can make it painful to eat, talk, or even swallow — and when it lingers, it can start to wear you down. Through our Pharmacy First sore throat service, you can speak to a qualified pharmacist by phone or video call and get trusted NHS advice without needing to wait for a GP.
Whether your sore throat is caused by a virus or something more serious, we’ll help you find the right treatment — quickly and conveniently.
What Is a Sore Throat?
A sore throat is a common condition, usually caused by a viral infection such as a cold or flu. It can also be triggered by a bacterial infection like tonsillitis, or by irritants such as dry air, smoke, or allergies.
The throat becomes inflamed and painful, often making it uncomfortable to swallow, speak, or sleep.
There are two main types of sore throat:
- — Viral sore throat – typically clears on its own within a few days
- — Bacterial sore throat – may need assessment and further treatment
If your symptoms are getting worse or not improving, our Pharmacy First sore throat service is here to help.
Symptoms of a Sore Throat
Sore throat symptoms can range from mild to more intense and may include:
- — Pain, scratchiness, or dryness in the throat
- — Difficulty swallowing
- — Redness or visible swelling at the back of the throat
- — Hoarseness or loss of voice
- — Swollen neck glands
- — Fever, headache, or general tiredness
If your sore throat has lasted longer than a week or is making it hard to eat or drink, it’s time to speak to a pharmacist.
How to Treat a Sore Throat
Most sore throats will ease on their own within a few days, and you can often manage the symptoms with simple home care. Here’s how to help yourself feel better:
- — Stay well hydrated – sip plenty of water throughout the day
- — Rest your voice and get plenty of sleep
- — Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever
- — Use throat lozenges or sprays to ease discomfort
- — Gargle with warm salty water (age 12+)
- — Avoid smoking and other throat irritants
Antibiotics aren’t usually needed for a sore throat, as most are caused by viruses. However, if a bacterial infection is suspected, our pharmacists can advise on the next steps or refer you to a GP if needed.
How Siddiqui Online Pharmacy Can Help
Through our Pharmacy First sore throat service, you can speak to a trained pharmacist from home — no appointment with a GP necessary.
We’ll:
- — Ask about your symptoms during a remote consultation
- — Recommend suitable over-the-counter treatments
- — Give advice on how to manage your symptoms and when to seek further help
- — Refer you to a GP if you may need antibiotics or other care
This is all part of the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, and is available for anyone aged 5 and over.
Why Choose Siddiqui’s Pharmacy First Service?
Getting care for a sore throat should be quick, simple, and stress-free. That’s exactly what we aim to offer at Siddiqui Online Pharmacy.
- — No waiting around for GP appointments
- — Speak to a pharmacist by phone or video call
- — NHS-funded advice and support
- — Clear, practical guidance for faster recovery
We provide fast, professional help for sore throats through the Pharmacy First service — so you can feel better, sooner.
Book Your Pharmacy First Appointment Today
If your throat is sore and you’re not getting better, don’t wait it out — book your Pharmacy First sore throat consultation today.
