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Sore Throat Advice and Treatment Service in Southall & Hillingdon

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.

Pharmacy First Sore Throat

What is a Sore Throat?

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.

Common Causes of Sore Throat:

  • Viral infections (e.g., cold, flu, COVID-19)
  • Bacterial infections (e.g., Streptococcus pyogenes, which can cause strep throat)
  • Allergies (e.g., hay fever, dust mites)
  • Irritants (e.g., smoking, pollution, dry air)
  • Acid reflux (when stomach acid irritates the throat)

Most sore throats resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, you may need medical attention.


Pharmacy Services Puri Pharmacy

What are Sore Throat symptoms?

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.

Pharmacy Medicine Services

Antibiotics for Sore Throat

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

 

 

How Can Puri Pharmacy Help?

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.


Do I Need Antibiotics for a Sore Throat?

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.


Pharmacy First – Advice and Treatment for Other Common Conditions

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.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I get rid of a sore throat quickly?

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.

2. How much does the consultation cost?

Our sore throat consultations are completely FREE under the NHS Pharmacy First Service.

3. Who can book an appointment?

Patients aged 5 and over can visit our pharmacy for a free assessment. No GP referral is required.

4. Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?

No appointment is needed! You can walk into our Southall or Hillingdon branch for same-day assessment.

5. Can I get antibiotics for a sore throat at the pharmacy?

Yes, if our pharmacist determines that you have a bacterial infection, they may prescribe antibiotics under the NHS service.

6. How long does a sore throat last?

Most sore throats last between 3 to 7 days, depending on the cause.

7. How does the Pharmacy First Service work?

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.

8. What if my symptoms don’t improve?

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.


Book an appointment

with Puri Pharmacy using our online booking system

What our customers say about our services

Amazing service from Rahul. Have used the earwax removal service for over a year and he’s always detailed and professional throughout, making it a calm and relaxed process. My family members always use the earwax removal clinic too. I would highly recommend the service for anyone suffering with earwax buildup – please do get your ears checked regularly for crystal clear hearing 🙂

Jay Sood
Earwax Removal in Southall and Hillingdon
Verified review

Rahul was fantastic with the ear wax removal for me and my brother
Very nice, patient and professional
I would recommend anyone with ear wax to see Mr Rahul at Puri Pharmacy

Ahmed
Earwax Removal in Southall and Hillingdon
Verified review

The team at Puri pharmacy have always been extremely helpful and have offered great advice to me over the years. My medication is always ready on time and it’s extremely refreshing to walk in and be greeted with smiles.

Baz S
Repeat Prescriptions
Verified review

I was really pleased with the customer service and professionalism carried out by Rahul, he really is a gem.
I had my jab done at this pharmacy, and was happy that I actually had no pain at the time of the jab or afterwards. I would definitely recommend using this pharmacy as the staff are fast, efficient and polite especially Rahul. Thank you Rahul 🙏

Ferhah Ali
Verified review

Great service and extremely professional staff. Me and my husband just got our vaccines and the whole process was really smooth and stress free. They have thoroughly explained the procedure and the team was absolutely friendly. Keep doing the great work and would highly recommend this place to other people 🙂

Gabriela Apostu
Flu Vaccination
Verified review

We’re very lucky having a pharmacy locally, with such helpful staff. Being able to telephone or just pop in to request my dad’s prescription means no GP telephone queues do a win/win all round.

Michelle Patis
Repeat Prescriptions
Verified review

I regularly visit Puri Pharmacy for my kids prescriptions and thanks to the staff who are very helpful. I never had to wait for long. I recommended others to use this pharmacy for the excellent service. Once they queried my GP about my son’s prescription and got it changed due to previous allergic reaction.

Shahnaz Fatima Syeda

I came into the pharmacy today as I realised this morning that I had run out of my medication and Haven advised me that my prescription had just arrived and sorted it out for me there and then. 5* service from an always happy, helpful member of the team. What more can I ask for?

Lin Santa Maria
Repeat Prescriptions
Verified review

Frequently asked questions about sore throats

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:

  • Painkillers
  • Hydration
  • Lozenges
  • Sprays

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.

Our Pharmacy First Services

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.

Acute Sinusitis

Available for patients 12 years and over.

Sore Throat

Available for patients 5 years and older.

Earache

Available for patients between 1 and 17 years old.

Infected insect bite

Available for patients of all ages.

Impetigo

Available for patients aged 1 year and older.

Shingles

Available for patients 18 years and older.

Uncomplicated UTIs

Available for women aged 16 to 64 years.

Your Local Pharmacy

Proudly serving Southall and Hillingdon, providing pharmacy services for over 40 years. Visit us at one of conveniently located branches.

Local Advice Service

Our pharmacists are here to provide you advice, whenever you need it. In the meantime read our curated guides for health advice.