Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
| Quick Answer: Most sore throats are caused by viruses and do not need antibiotics. NHS Pharmacy First allows trained pharmacists to assess sore throats, provide appropriate treatment, and issue a delayed antibiotic prescription where clinically indicated, without a GP appointment. At Newdays Pharmacy in Berkshire, our Pharmacy First service is available at our branches in Eton, Twyford, Reading, and Lane End. |
Sore throat is one of the most common reasons people visit their GP or attend urgent care in the UK, despite the fact that the vast majority of cases do not require a GP appointment or antibiotics. NHS Pharmacy First has made sore throat one of seven conditions that can be assessed and managed directly by trained community pharmacists, reducing unnecessary GP visits and improving access to appropriate care.
What Causes a Sore Throat?
The majority of sore throats, estimated at 70 to 80 percent, are caused by viruses, including rhinovirus (the common cold), influenza, coronavirus, and others. Viral sore throats do not respond to antibiotics and resolve on their own within seven to ten days.
Bacterial sore throats, most commonly caused by Group A Streptococcus (streptococcal pharyngitis or strep throat), account for approximately 20 to 30 percent of cases. Even bacterial sore throats typically resolve without antibiotics within three to four days in otherwise healthy adults, though antibiotics reduce symptom duration by approximately one day and reduce the risk of rare complications such as peritonsillar abscess and rheumatic fever.
How Do Pharmacists Assess Sore Throats Under Pharmacy First?
Our pharmacists use validated clinical scoring tools to assess the likelihood of bacterial versus viral throat infection. The FeverPAIN score is commonly used in UK community pharmacy practice and assesses:
- Fever in the last twenty four hours
- Purulent (pus) tonsil exudate
- Attended quickly (within three days of symptom onset)
- Severely inflamed tonsils
- No cough or coryza (cold symptoms)
A high FeverPAIN score suggests a higher likelihood of bacterial infection and may warrant a delayed or immediate antibiotic prescription. A low score, particularly in the presence of cold symptoms such as runny nose and cough (which strongly suggest viral aetiology), supports symptomatic treatment without antibiotics.
When Are Red Flag Features Requiring Urgent Referral?
Our pharmacists will refer you to urgent care or emergency services if you have any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or stridor (noisy breathing)
- Drooling or inability to swallow saliva
- Swelling around the eye or neck
- Trismus (inability to open the mouth fully)
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
- High fever with toxic appearance
These features may indicate a peritonsillar abscess, epiglottitis, or another serious condition requiring immediate medical assessment.
Symptomatic Treatment for Sore Throat
For viral sore throats, and for mild to moderate bacterial sore throats not meeting the threshold for antibiotics, symptomatic treatment includes regular paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever, medicated throat sprays or lozenges containing local anaesthetics (benzydamine, lidocaine) or anti-inflammatory (flurbiprofen), adequate fluid intake, and rest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, our trained pharmacists can assess your sore throat and, where clinically appropriate, supply a delayed antibiotic prescription without you needing to see a GP. This allows you to start antibiotics only if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve. Visit any Newdays Pharmacy branch for a same-day Pharmacy First sore throat assessment.
Most sore throats improve within seven to ten days. If your symptoms are severe, worsen after three days, are accompanied by a high fever, or you develop any red flag symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek prompt medical assessment. Newdays Pharmacy offers same-day Pharmacy First sore throat assessments without an appointment.
| Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008. |