NHS Pharmacy First

Sore throat: NHS Pharmacy First

If you have a sore throat or tonsillitis, a pharmacist can assess you through the NHS Pharmacy First service. The service is for people aged 5 and over. Video consultations are for people aged 16 and over; under-16s are seen in our Bury pharmacy.

The consultation is free. If you normally pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies to any medicine supplied.

Book a free NHS video consultationCall 0161 222 1024Visit us
Hassan Khan MPharm, Pharmacist Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2067135)
Bury Healthcare Pharmacy · GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145 · Reviewed October 2026

Who can use this service

You can use Pharmacy First for a sore throat if you are 5 or over. This includes tonsillitis.

The pharmacist will refer you to your GP or another service instead if, for example, you:

  • might have scarlet fever, quinsy (a painful swelling at the back of the throat) or glandular fever
  • have a weakened immune system
  • keep getting sore throats
  • have had a sore throat for more than a week without it getting better

Symptoms of a sore throat

  • a painful, dry or scratchy throat
  • pain when swallowing
  • red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white spots
  • swollen glands in your neck
  • a high temperature, aches and tiredness

What happens in the consultation

The pharmacist asks about your symptoms and may use a short NHS scoring check to see how likely a bacterial infection is. Depending on what they find, they may:

  • give you self-care advice
  • recommend a treatment you can buy, such as lozenges or a throat spray
  • supply an antibiotic, where clinically appropriate
  • refer you to your GP or another service if you need further help

We tell your GP about your consultation on the same day or the next working day.

Things you can do to help

  • gargle with warm salty water (not for children)
  • drink plenty of fluids and eat cool, soft food
  • suck lozenges, ice cubes or hard sweets (not for young children)
  • take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain (don’t give aspirin to children under 16)
  • rest, and avoid smoking and smoky places

Most sore throats get better within about a week without antibiotics.

When to get urgent help

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, are drooling, or make a high-pitched sound as you breathe.

Get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery, you’re unable to eat or drink, or you have a weakened immune system.

See your GP if your sore throat hasn’t improved after a week, you get sore throats often, you have a lump in your throat or neck, or you’ve had a mouth ulcer for more than 3 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a sore throat last?
Most sore throats get better on their own within about a week. See a pharmacist or GP if yours isn’t improving after that.
What can I take for a sore throat?
Paracetamol or ibuprofen, lozenges and throat sprays can ease the pain. Ask a pharmacist which is right for you, especially for a child or if you take other medicines.
What causes a sore throat?
Most are caused by viruses, such as a cold or flu. Some are caused by bacteria, and smoking or acid reflux can also irritate the throat.
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Not usually. Antibiotics only help when bacteria are the cause. The pharmacist checks your symptoms and supplies an antibiotic only where it is clinically appropriate.
Can Pharmacy First treat tonsillitis?
Yes. Tonsillitis is covered under the sore throat part of the service, for people aged 5 and over.
Can my child use this service?
Children aged 5 to 15 can be seen in our Bury pharmacy. For a child under 5, contact your GP or NHS 111.
NHS Pharmacy First

Speak to a pharmacist

Book a free NHS video consultation, call us on 0161 222 1024, or visit us at 46 Walmersley Road, Bury BL9 6DP. Video consultations: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm. Pharmacy opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 7pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm.

Book a free NHS video consultation

NHS Pharmacy First at Bury Healthcare Pharmacy
Other conditions: Urinary tract infection (UTI) · Sinusitis · Impetigo · Shingles · Infected insect bite · Ear infection

This page is general information about an NHS service and does not replace advice from your GP. Sources: NHS website condition and contraception pages; NHS England Pharmacy First and Pharmacy Contraception Service specifications.