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FREE NHS TREATMENTS

Learn More About the Medications That Can Treat Sore Throat

  • Phenoxymethylpenicillin

    Phenoxymethylpenicillin

    • FREE secure consultation service
    • Fast and effective treatment
    • FREE tracked and signed delivery
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  • Erythromycin stearate

    Erythromycin stearate

    • FREE secure consultation service
    • Fast and effective treatment
    • FREE tracked and signed delivery
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  • Erythromycin ethyl succinate

    Erythromycin ethyl succinate

    • FREE secure consultation service
    • Fast and effective treatment
    • FREE tracked and signed delivery
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  • Erythromycin

    Erythromycin

    • FREE secure consultation service
    • Fast and effective treatment
    • FREE tracked and signed delivery
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  • Clarithromycin

    Clarithromycin

    • FREE secure consultation service
    • Fast and effective treatment
    • FREE tracked and signed delivery
    View Treatment

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Sore Throat Key Facts

Navin Khosla NowPatientGreen tick
Medically reviewed by Navin Khosla, B.Pharm
Written by

Created
September 24, 2024 (Current Version)

A sore throat is defined as the feeling of pain anywhere in the throat. It can be characterised by painful swallowing. Usually, there is nothing to worry about and it typically resolves within a week.

Although mostly caused by viruses, such as the cold or flu virus, approximately 5-25% of adult sore throats are caused by a bacterial infection from group A Streptococcus (group A strep).

Diagram showing three types of throat conditions: normal, bacterial infection with white spots and redness, and viral infection with swollen tonsils and red throat.

What are the causes of Sore Throat?

Sore throats can be caused by:

  • Viruses, such as the cold or flu virus
  • Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)
  • Strep throat (also called streptococcal pharyngitis caused by bacterial group A Streptococcus)
  • Smoking
  • Mouth breathing at night while you sleep
  • Pollution
  • Allergies to pets, pollens and moulds
  • Mononucleosis
  • Sinus infections
  • Acid reflux

What are the symptoms of a Sore Throat?

Symptoms of an acute sore throat can vary depending on the cause. However, you may experience one or more of the following:

  • Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
  • Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw
  • Swollen, red tonsils
  • White patches or pus on your tonsils
  • A hoarse or muffled voice

How can I self-manage a Sore Throat?

You can use the following self-care methods to soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts:

  • Gargle with warm, salty water (not suitable for children)
    • Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water (warm water helps salt dissolve)
    • Gargle with the solution, then spit it out (do not swallow it)
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Eat cool or soft foods
  • Avoid smoking or smoky places
  • Suck ice cubes, ice lollies or hard sweets
  • Rest
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • Take medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine
  • Use anaesthetic spray (although there’s little proof they help when used on their own)
  • Use a sore throat gargle (like Sanderson’s Throat Specific)

When to get advice from a GP

You should contact your GP if you suspect you have a Sore Throat and:

  • You have a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery
  • You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of an underlying health condition like diabetes or if you are being treated with immunosuppressive medications

You should go to A&E or Call 999 if:

  • Are drooling – this can be a sign of not being able to swallow
  • Are making a high-pitched sound as you breathe (called stridor)
  • There are signs of inflammation of the epiglottitis (flap of tissue at the back of the throat) – the pain may be severe and you may have difficulty breathing and difficulty swallowing

Check if you qualify for FREE treatment with NHS Pharmacy First, without seeing your GP

You can check your eligibility to use the NHS Pharmacy First service if you suspect you have a Sore Throat and you:

  • Are 18 years or over

And you have ONE or more of the following symptoms:

  • A raised temperature (above 38C)
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Red, inflamed tonsils
  • White, streaky patches on the tonsils

The NHS Pharmacy First service may NOT be suitable if:

  • You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of an underlying health condition like diabetes or if you are being treated with immunosuppressive medication.
  • Your sore throat symptoms been persisting for 12 months or have you had 7 episodes of sore throats over the last year
  • Have difficulty breathing or are unable to swallow

The NHS Pharmacy First service is available to all NowPatient users who are registered with the NHS in England. If you are exempt from paying for your prescriptions, the service and the treatments are provided free of charge. If you are not exempt from paying prescription charges, treatments are provided at the prevailing NHS prescription charge rate. There is no charge for consultations.

What NHS Pharmacy First treatments are available for a Sore Throat?

You do not normally need antibiotics for a Sore Throat because they will not usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery. You will only be considered for antibiotics if you or show signs of having a bacterial infection. Remember, most Sore Throats are viral in nature and will NOT respond to antibiotics.

What happens if I do not get treatment for a Sore Throat?

The vast majority of cases of Sore Throat are viral in nature and usually resolve within a week, without treatment.

Sources

Medical Disclaimer

NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.

Service Guide

Everything You Need to Know About NHS Pharmacy First Eligibility for Sore Throat

What is NHS Pharmacy First Service for Sore Throat and how does it work?

If you are aged 18 years and over, and registered with the NHS in England, you may qualify for a FREE remote video consultation and treatment for Sore Throat, without having to see your GP.

NHS Pharmacy First is available to ALL NHS patients in England and will allow you to get treated for Sore Throat with prescription-only medications, without having to visit your GP or obtain a prescription.

If treatments are prescribed, they are dispensed and delivered to your home or workplace from NowPatient’s online pharmacy.

The FREE service is subject to an eligibility screen.

Do you treat Sore Throat through NHS Pharmacy First?

Yes. We also treat the following other conditions:

  • Sinusitis
  • Sore throats
  • Infected insect bites
  • Impetigo
  • Shingles
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women

Is the NHS Pharmacy First Service for Sore Throat safe for me to use?

Yes. The NHS Pharmacy First Service is classified as a Class I medical device under UK MDR 2002 regulations, for its intended use. It also complies with NHS standards DTAC, DCB 0160 & DCB 0129.

How much does the service cost?

This is a FREE service for NHS-registered users in England. If you are prescribed medication for Sore Throat at the end of your assessment and you are not exempt from NHS prescription charges, then you will need to pay a single NHS prescription charge. If you are exempt from prescription charges, for example, if you are on Income Support or aged over 60, then you will not be charged.

Will you have access to my GP records?

Yes, as an NHS patient, our clinicians will be able to access your GP record including medications, observations, and investigations. This ensures our clinicians are able to assess you appropriately.

Is the service secure when conducted remotely?

Yes. NowPatient operates from a HIPAA, DTAC, and Cyber Essentials Plus certified compliant platform that assures the highest levels of information security and allows us to safely handle PHI (Patient Health Information). Clinicians who access our systems do so on a zero-trust basis backed with SSO technologies.

How can I be sure the service is provided by a qualified and trustworthy clinician?

Our clinicians are board-certified pharmacists who are qualified to prescribe selected medications for Sore Throat, as outlined by the NHS.

Each clinician is registered with the appropriate regulatory body—for example, pharmacists are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). All clinicians undergo thorough background checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as well as a comprehensive license verification process. When you book an appointment, you’ll be able to view the clinician’s full name, license number, and any specialist credentials.

The medications and conditions our clinicians can prescribe and treat is strictly governed, risk-assessed, and regularly reviewed in line with NHS guidelines. Our service is delivered via remote video consultations (synchronous consultations), which help ensure clinical safety and appropriate prescribing. Please note that medication is not guaranteed and is provided only at the discretion of the assessing clinician.

Do I need to provide any consents before the NHS Pharmacy First Consultation for Sore Throat?

During the virtual consultation for Sore Throat, we will obtain a consent from you for providing this service. This is required so we can communicate with your GP and provide information to NHS England, NHS Improvement, and the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) if required.

Is the service available in the United States and the United Kingdom?

No. At the moment, it is only available in England.

Can I use NowPatient’s NHS Pharmacy First Service for Sore Throat if I live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

This service is commissioned by NHS England and is only available to patients in England. You will not be able to use the feature if you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

How do I use the NHS Pharmacy First Service for treating Sore Throat?

Navigate to the NHS Pharmacy First Service Card which can be found in the ‘NHS Hub’ section of the account homepage.

Choose ‘Select Condition’ from the Options Menu on the NHS Pharmacy First Service Card and follow the steps below:

Step 1 – Choose Sore Throat you would like to treat and click ‘Check Eligibility’

Step 2 – Using the AI Chat Bot, answer the questions presented to determine your eligibility for the service. If you qualify, you’ll be prompted to book a consultation. Click on the ‘Book Consultation’ button to proceed. If you do not qualify, we will signpost you to the right NHS care provider or service.

Step 3 – Now follow the instructions below to complete your booking

How to Book a Consultation With NowPatient
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 1
    1
    Book Consultation
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 2
    2
    Choose Consultation Date
    Next, you’ll be taken to the ‘Consultation Date’ screen, where you can select your preferred consultation date. You can also add any notes that might assist the clinician during your session. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 3
    3
    Choose Consultation Time
    You will now see the ‘Consultation Time’ screen. Select your preferred time for the consultation and then click ‘Continue’.
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 4
    4
    Choose Clinician
    On the ‘Choose Clinician’ screen, you’ll be able to view available clinicians and select the one you prefer. You can filter the list by gender and spoken languages. Once you’ve made your selection, click ‘Continue’.
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 5
    5
    Booking Confirmation
    You will now arrive at the ‘Booking Confirmation’ screen, where you can review a summary of your booking. This screen also includes an advisory titled ‘Pre-consultation Requirements’, which offers helpful tips on how to prepare for your live video consultation. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 6
    6
    Safety Information & Reminders
    You’ll be asked to provide safety information, including: - The address where you will be during the consultation - Emergency contact details You can also opt to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your scheduled video consultation.
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 7
    7
    Final Confirmation
    Click ‘Confirm Booking’ to complete the process. A pop-up will appear to confirm your booking, and you will be redirected to your account homepage. You’ll also receive confirmation via In-App and Push notifications.
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What happens during the NHS Pharmacy First Service remote video consultation?

During the consultation, the clinician will ask you a series of questions that will allow the clinician to assess your Sore Throat and potential treatment options. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment is a safe and suitable option for you.

If it is, the clinician will discuss the various treatment options that may be available, so that you can jointly agree on the option that is most suited to you. Once you have jointly agreed on a treatment plan, the clinician will issue a prescription order.

Also, with your consent, the clinician may wish to inform your doctor of the treatment that was prescribed. We recommend that you agree to this since your doctor is responsible for your overall care and they should have a record of this consultation and medication prescribed. In addition, our clinician may take the opportunity to advise you on your overall health including advice on healthy living or stop smoking.

What happens after my NHS Pharmacy First Service remote video consultation for Sore Throat?

You may be sent a short survey asking you about your experience attending your remote video consultation. We encourage you to complete this as it provides us with valuable feedback to improve your experience in the future. It’s helpful for us if you point out things that didn’t go well, and suggest ways of improving the experience for you and others.

At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcome. It will also advise you if any referrals were made to your doctor, along with any other advice that was given to you by the clinician. You will be notified of the summary via an In-App and Push notification.  Once you receive the notification, navigate to ‘Notifications’ on the account homepage and you will be able to view it.

What happens if I’ve been prescribed a treatment for Sore Throat?

If your attending clinician prescribes a treatment for Sore Throat during the virtual consultation, you will be informed at that time. To complete your checkout, please follow the steps outlined below.

How to Checkout on NowPatient
  • Go to Cart using Account Navigation - order
    1
    Go to Cart using Account Navigation
  • If there is an NHS service item in the Cart - An NHS Exemption Declaration will Pop Up - order
    2
    If there is an NHS service item in the Cart - An NHS Exemption Declaration will Pop Up
  • Complete the NHS Exemption Declaration for each NHS service item - order
    3
    Complete the NHS Exemption Declaration for each NHS service item
  • Select ‘Checkout’ - order
    4
    Select ‘Checkout’
  • Select Delivery Address - order
    5
    Select Delivery Address
  • Select Delivery Method - order
    6
    Select Delivery Method
  • Confirm Billing Address - order
    7
    Confirm Billing Address
  • Review Order - order
    8
    Review Order
  • 9
    Submit Payment
  • Order Completed - order
    10
    Order Completed
  • Return to Account Homepage - order
    11
    Return to Account Homepage
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What status updates do I get after I place my order?

NowPatient uses a structured notification system for all orders, ensuring you’re consistently informed about your order status every step of the way.

You can expect status update notifications through the following channels:

  • Email
  • In-App

How will my order be delivered?

All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging. This means it is suitable for delivery wherever you require (home, work, or a neighbour).

For thermo-sensitive orders we use cold chain-validated packaging. Your parcel will normally receive an estimated delivery window from the courier on the day of delivery.

For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address, for example, your workplace.

Do you ship cold-chain or temperature sensitive products?

Yes. We use a specialist courier service for all thermo-sensitive deliveries. This is to ensure that cold chain integrity is always maintained and thus the product quality, safety and efficacy.

Learn more about how we handle the delivery of temperature sensitive products.

Where do you deliver?

We currently deliver to all postcodes in England. Some postcodes in rural areas may have a slightly longer delivery time.

When will my order arrive?

We aim to ship all orders placed Monday – Friday before 3pm on the same day. Orders placed outside these times will be shipped the next working day. All deliveries are shipped by Royal Mail, which delivers Monday through Saturday in the UK.

Our delivery options have the following delivery times (England Only):

  • Royal Mail Standard Tracked & Signed for Delivery for NHS prescriptions – 2/3 day delivery (normally 48 hours)
  • DHL Express Tracked Delivery – 1/2 day delivery (normally 24 hours)
  • Royal Mail Special Delivery – Next working day (Royal Mail Guaranteed before 1pm)

What should I do if my order has not arrived?

Delivery is normally made promptly after your dispatch notification is received. You can check the tracking details of your order in the ‘Notification Feed’ section of the dashboard, at any point after dispatch.

Unfortunately, packages can sometimes get lost in the delivery system. If after 10 days you have not received your delivery, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the problem.