If you’re experiencing inflammation of the tonsils, larynx or pharynx, our sore throat test and treat service could help.

Sore throat symptoms generally last 3 days and usually get better on their own. Unfortunately, coughing, another symptom of colds and flu, can worsen your sore throat. Very occasionally, a sore throat can be caused by a bacterial infection. In this case, a course of antibiotics can be used to treat your sore throat.

If your sore throat infection lasts longer than 3 days, it could be a sign of a more severe condition, such as laryngitis or tonsillitis. Some viral infections, including mumps, measles, chicken pox, whooping cough and glandular fever, can also accompany a sore throat. These highly contagious conditions can cause epidemics, particularly during the winter.

What causes a sore throat?

A sore throat is generally caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Our sore throat test and treat service can prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections and advise ways to ease the symptoms of viral infections. Sore throats can be spread by sneezing, coughing, nose blowing, and sharing drinks.

Viral sore throats

Most sore throats are part of the discomfort caused by cold or flu. They’re prevalent in the winter when we spend more time indoors with other people, enabling viruses to spread rapidly. There’s no immediate treatment for a viral sore throat. Fortunately, symptoms only last a few days and can be fought off by your immune system.

Bacterial sore throats

Bacterial infections like ear infections or tonsillitis are more severe and require antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

Most bacterial sore throat infections are caused by streptococcus group A. A strep sore throat can be accompanied by a sudden fever without cough or cold symptoms. This type of infection is common in children.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tissues on either side of your throat, near the back of the tongue. The back of the throat can look swollen and red, and the tonsils may be covered in pus-filled spots or white patches. You may also experience swollen glands in your neck. Infected tonsils can cause a headache and high temperature or make you feel unwell. Tonsillitis can be a viral or bacterial infection, although the symptoms are the same. If you have a bacterial infection, it’s always caused by strep A.

Symptoms of sore throat caused by bacterial or virus infection include:

• Swollen tonsils
• Difficulty swallowing
• Painful red throat
• Swollen lymph glands and neck stiffness

Sore throat test and treat

You’re suitable for our Sore Throat Test if you answer yes to three or more of the following questions:

• Do you have a history of fever?
• Do you have a lack of cough?
• Do you have tonsillar exudate (fluid secreted by the tonsils)?
• Do you have swollen and tender anterior cervical nodes?

Our pharmacists will use a simple swab test from the back of your throat. In 10 minutes, you’ll know whether you’re positive or negative for strep A.

Treatments

Most viruses subside after a few days and can’t be treated with antibiotics. The best advice is to let nature take its course.

A bacterial sore throat, on the other hand, can be treated with a course of antibiotics. Treatment is essential to prevent the infection from developing into a more severe condition. If you test positive for strep A and have no contra-indications, we’ll supply you with a course of antibiotics to start your treatment as quickly as possible, with no prescription required.

What can I do to make a sore throat feel better?

Relieving the symptoms of your sore throat can help it feel better, regardless of whether you have a viral or bacterial infection. Try these simple self-care remedies:

Gargle several times a day with warm salt water Take paracetamol to reduce headache symptoms Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and lubricate the throat Suck throat lozenges or use throat sprays Stay away from irritants, including smoking and alcohol Eat soft or cooling food Get plenty of rest to aid the body in fighting infection

Our sore throat test and treat service is here to help. Our trained pharmacists can help you manage your sore throat symptoms or prescribe antibiotics. No appointment is necessary.

Service details

Price: We charge a small fee for the sore throat test and treat service.

Frequency: You can access our test and treat service when required.

Availability: Select your preferred pharmacy, then visit their page to enquire about this service or pop in during opening hours.