Who this is for
Adults and children aged 5 and over. If you fall outside this, we can still give advice and point you to the right care.
About sore throat
A sore throat (acute pharyngitis) is usually part of a cold or other viral infection. Antibiotics make little difference to most sore throats and are only useful when a bacterial cause is likely.
Symptoms and what to look out for
Common signs include:
- A painful throat, especially when swallowing
- Redness at the back of the mouth
- Swollen, tender glands in your neck
- White patches or pus on the tonsils
- Bad breath
- Sometimes a raised temperature, cough or mild headache
The pharmacist uses the FeverPAIN scoring system recommended by NICE to judge how likely a bacterial cause is. Most people score low and do not need antibiotics; where the score is higher and it is appropriate, we can supply antibiotics under the NHS protocol.
When to get help urgently
Seek urgent help
Get urgent help if you have any of these, which can point to a more serious throat problem:
- Difficulty breathing, or a high-pitched sound as you breathe
- Difficulty swallowing, or drooling
- A muffled or "hot potato" voice, or trouble opening your mouth
- A sore throat that is severe, or lasts more than a week
- A very high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
Difficulty breathing or swallowing your own saliva is an emergency — call 999.
What to expect from the consultation
You will be seen in our private consultation room — a room with a door, not the shop floor. The consultation itself is always free.
- The pharmacist will look at your throat and neck and ask about your symptoms.
- They will work out your FeverPAIN score to decide whether antibiotics would help.
- You will get self-care advice and pain-relief guidance, and antibiotics only if warranted.
- If it needs a GP or further assessment, we will refer you.
If we supply a medicine and you pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies — the same as at your GP. If you are exempt from prescription charges, it is free.
Book a consultation
Book a sore throat consultation
Choose how you would like to be seen. Both options use our online calendar — pick a time that suits you. Walk-ins are welcome too.
Phone consultation
Speak to a pharmacist over the phone. Good for advice and for situations that may not need a physical examination.
Face-to-face at the pharmacy
Come in and be seen in our private consultation room at 44 Malabar Road. Best if we may need to examine you.
Prefer to talk to us first? Call 0116 360 2000.
Sources
The information on this page is based on current NHS and NICE guidance for Pharmacy First:
- NHS — Sore throat
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries — Sore throat (acute)
- NHS — Pharmacy First service
Guidance reviewed for this page in September 2026. Always follow the advice of the pharmacist who assesses you.
This page is general information
It isn't a substitute for advice from a pharmacist or doctor about your own health. Please read our disclaimer. If you're unwell and need urgent help, call NHS 111; in an emergency call 999.