At Puri Pharmacy, we offer a free NHS-funded sore throat consultation through the Pharmacy First Service. If you or a family member is suffering from a sore throat, you can visit our Southall or Hillingdon branch and receive expert advice and treatment without needing a GP appointment.
Our pharmacy team can assess your symptoms, offer suitable treatment, and, in some cases, prescribe antibiotics if necessary. Walk in today for same-day assessment and professional care.
A sore throat (pharyngitis) is an irritation or pain in the throat, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can affect anyone and is one of the most common reasons people seek medical advice.
Most sore throats resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, you may need medical attention.
The most common sore throat symptoms include:
✅ Throat pain or irritation
✅ Difficulty swallowing
✅ Hoarseness or loss of voice
✅ Swollen glands in the neck
✅ Mild cough
✅ Fever or chills
✅ Runny nose or congestion
✅ Fatigue and body aches
If your symptoms worsen or you experience persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the throat, seek medical attention immediately.
Most cases do not require antibiotics. Antibiotics make little difference to how long symptoms last as a sore throat is often caused by a virus.
Our expert Pharmacists will assess you and your symptoms to see if you require antibiotics or an alternative treatment.
You can book an appointment or simply walk into our Southall and Hillingdon branch for expert care.
Many home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can help ease sore throat discomfort, including:
✔️ Drinking warm fluids (e.g., herbal tea, honey and lemon)
✔️ Gargling salt water to reduce swelling and irritation
✔️ Using throat lozenges or sprays for temporary relief
✔️ Taking pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
✔️ Using a humidifier to keep the air moist
✔️ Avoiding smoking and alcohol, which can irritate the throat
Our Pharmacy First Service provides free sore throat consultations for patients aged 5 and over. We offer:
✅ Same-day walk-in appointments
✅ Expert assessment from trained pharmacists
✅ Personalized treatment plans
✅ Medication and symptom management advice
✅ Antibiotics (if clinically necessary)
You don’t need to book in advance – simply walk into our Southall or Hillingdon branch and speak to our pharmacy team.
Not all sore throats require antibiotics. Most are viral infections and will clear up on their own. However, if your pharmacist suspects a bacterial infection, they may prescribe antibiotics to prevent complications.
Our pharmacists follow strict guidelines to ensure antibiotics are only provided when truly necessary to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Our Pharmacy First service also offers free NHS-funded consultations for other common ailments, including:
➡️ Earache
➡️ Infected Insect Bites
➡️ Sinusitis
Visit Puri Pharmacy for expert guidance and treatment on a wide range of minor illnesses.
To recover faster, rest your voice, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter pain relievers. Gargling with salt water and drinking honey-lemon tea can also help soothe irritation.
Our sore throat consultations are completely FREE under the NHS Pharmacy First Service.
Patients aged 5 and over can visit our pharmacy for a free assessment. No GP referral is required.
No appointment is needed! You can walk into our Southall or Hillingdon branch for same-day assessment.
Yes, if our pharmacist determines that you have a bacterial infection, they may prescribe antibiotics under the NHS service.
Most sore throats last between 3 to 7 days, depending on the cause.
The Pharmacy First Service allows pharmacists to assess, diagnose, and treat minor illnesses without the need for a GP appointment. It is a free NHS-funded service available at our pharmacy.
If your sore throat lasts more than 10 days, gets worse, or is accompanied by serious symptoms (e.g., high fever, difficulty breathing), seek medical attention.
with Puri Pharmacy using our online booking system
We’ve answered some common questions about sore throats and Pharmacy First. If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to contact our pharmacy team.
Most sore throat infections are mild and will get soon without any treatment. Simple remedies can help your symptoms, such as:
The consultation is completely free. If we prescribe you any medicines, your prescription will be free if you are exempt. If you normally pay for your prescriptions, you will have to pay the standard NHS charge.
For sore throat treatment we can see adults and children aged 5 years and over.
We’re pleased to offer treatment for seven common conditions through the Pharmacy First scheme. Book your consultation online or visit us at our Hillingdon or Southall branch.
Available for patients 12 years and over.
Available for patients 5 years and older.
Available for patients between 1 and 17 years old.
Available for patients of all ages.
Available for patients aged 1 year and older.
Available for patients 18 years and older.
Available for women aged 16 to 64 years.
Proudly serving Southall and Hillingdon, providing pharmacy services for over 40 years. Visit us at one of conveniently located branches.
Our pharmacists are here to provide you advice, whenever you need it. In the meantime read our curated guides for health advice.