If you or your child are aged 5 or over and have a sore throat, you can see a pharmacist instead of your GP. Under the NHS Pharmacy First service the pharmacist checks whether treatment will help and offers advice, and medicine if it is right for you.
Reviewed by Benjamin Rawthore, Pharmacist Manager and Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2215432). Last reviewed .
Common signs
- A painful, dry or scratchy throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Swollen glands in the neck
- A high temperature, or feeling generally unwell
What the pharmacist does
- Looks at your symptoms using the scoring the NHS pathway sets out
- Advises on easing the pain, as most sore throats get better on their own within a week
- Offers medicine if it is right for you under the NHS pathway
- Tells you if you need to see a GP or someone else, and helps you get there
The consultation is free on the NHS. The usual prescription charges apply to any medicine you are given, unless you get free prescriptions.
Questions people ask
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Usually not. Most sore throats get better on their own. The pharmacist checks whether treatment will help.
Do I have to pay?
The consultation is free on the NHS. The usual prescription charges apply to any medicine you are given, unless you get free prescriptions.
Will my GP practice know?
Yes. The pharmacist updates your GP record after the consultation, so your notes stay complete.