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Sore throat

People with symptoms of Scarlet Fever cannot use the Sore Throat Test and Treat service as this is for management of bacterial tonsilitis or viral sore throat only. Anyone with signs of Scarlet Fever (sore throat, fever, rash, swollen tongue) should instead, contact their GP or NHS 111. Anyone asking for the Sore Throat Test and Treat Service in a pharmacy who has symptoms indicating possible Scarlet Fever will be referred on to their GP or NHS 111 by the pharmacist.

If your sore throat is severe or you have a persistent sore throat that hasn't started to improve after a week, visit your local Pharmacy for the sore throat test and treat service.

This service is available to help determine whether a sore throat is being caused by a viral or bacterial infection so you can get expert advice and treatment quickly without having to visit your GP.

You will have a consultation with a pharmacist, who will use a set of structured questions and possibly a swab test to determine the cause of your sore throat. If your sore throat is determined to be a viral infection which antibiotics will not treat, the Pharmacist can advise on steps to take to recover. The Pharmacist can also provide antibiotics if the test reveals a bacterial infection.

General advice for managing sore throats

Looking after yourself at home

  • Take ibuprofen or paracetamol – paracetamol is better for children and for people who can't take ibuprofen (note that children under 16 should never take aspirin)
  • Drink plenty of cool or warm fluids, and avoid very hot drinks
  • Eat cool, soft foods
  • Avoid smoking and smoky places
  • Gargle with a homemade mouthwash of warm, salty water
  • Try sucking lozenges, hard sweets, ice cubes or ice lollies – but don't give young children anything small and hard to suck because of the risk of choking

Contact your GP if:

  • You experience severe sore throats frequently
  • You have a weak immune system – for example, you have HIV, are having chemotherapy, or are taking medication that suppresses your immune system

Visit ED if:

  • Your sore throat is very severe or getting worse quickly
  • You have difficulty breathing
  • You're making a high-pitched sound as you breathe (called stridor)
  • You have severe difficulty swallowing
  • You start drooling