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Walk in or call
Tell our team you're here for a Pharmacy First sore throat consultation. No booking needed — we aim to see you within 30 minutes.
NHS Pharmacy First · Sore Throat
Free NHS treatment for a painful sore throat.
Painful swallowing, swollen glands, or a sudden-onset sore throat? Our pharmacists can assess you using the NHS FeverPAIN score and prescribe antibiotics where clinically appropriate — for adults and children aged 5 and over.
- Free consultationCost
- Same dayWait time
- Adults & children 5+Eligibility
What causes a sore throat?
Most sore throats are caused by viruses — the same ones that cause colds and flu — and clear up within a week without specific treatment. A smaller proportion (around 1 in 3 in adults, more in children) are caused by Streptococcus bacteria, which can sometimes benefit from antibiotics.
Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, our registered pharmacists at Qrystal Pharmacy in London can assess your sore throat using the validated FeverPAIN clinical scoring system, recommend self-care, and prescribe antibiotics where clinically appropriate — without you needing a GP appointment. The service is free and available to adults and children aged 5 and over.
The FeverPAIN score looks at five features: Fever in the last 24 hours, Purulence (pus) on the tonsils, rapid Attendance within 3 days, severely Inflamed tonsils, and No cough or coryza (cold symptoms). A higher score suggests a higher chance of bacterial infection and benefit from antibiotics.
Symptoms of a sore throat
Most sore throats come on suddenly and feel worse over a couple of days. Common symptoms include:
- Painful throat, especially when swallowing
- Red and/or swollen tonsils
- Pus or white patches on the tonsils
- Swollen, tender glands in the neck
- Mild fever (high temperature)
- Headache
- Hoarse or croaky voice
- Bad breath
- Earache (referred pain from the throat)
- Tiredness or feeling generally unwell
When to see us — and when to seek urgent help
Walk in to Pharmacy First if you have:
- A sore throat that's lasted more than a couple of days
- A high temperature (38°C or above) with the sore throat
- Pus or white patches on your tonsils
- Swollen, painful glands in your neck
- Difficulty eating or drinking because of throat pain
Get urgent help (NHS 111 or A&E) if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing (stridor)
- Difficulty swallowing saliva or drooling
- A muffled or 'hot potato' voice
- Severe one-sided throat pain with trismus (can't open mouth fully)
- A child who is floppy, unresponsive, or has a non-blanching rash
Who is eligible for sore throat treatment under Pharmacy First?
- Adults and children aged 5 and over
- Registered with an NHS GP in England
- Acute sore throat (typically less than 2 weeks)
You're not eligible if:
- Children under 5 (we'll refer to a GP)
- Patients with red-flag features (severe one-sided throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing)
- Recurrent severe tonsillitis — may need GP/ENT review
How your sore throat consultation works
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FeverPAIN scoring
Our pharmacist takes your history and examines your throat in our private consultation room, applying the validated NHS FeverPAIN clinical score.
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Treatment plan
Low score: self-care advice and over-the-counter remedies. High score: antibiotics (usually phenoxymethylpenicillin) supplied on the spot.
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Records to your GP
With your consent we share a consultation summary electronically with your GP so your records stay joined-up.
What's included
- FeverPAIN clinical assessment by a registered pharmacist
- Private consultation room — fully confidential
- Antibiotic prescription where clinically appropriate
- Pain-relief and self-care advice
- Onward referral to your GP, NHS 111, or A&E if needed
- Electronic record sent securely to your GP
- Standard NHS prescription charge applies if you're issued a prescription and aren't exempt
Other Pharmacy First conditions we can treat
Sinusitis
Adults & children 12+
Acute sinus pain and pressure assessed and treated for adults and children aged 12 and over.
Read moreEarache
Children 1-17
Acute middle-ear infection assessment and treatment for children aged 1 to 17.
Read moreImpetigo
Adults & children 1+
Same-day topical or oral antibiotic treatment for impetigo rash, from age 1.
Read moreSore throat — frequently asked questions
Will I get antibiotics for my sore throat?
Only if clinically appropriate. NHS guidance uses the FeverPAIN score: a high score (4-5) means antibiotics are more likely to help. A low score (0-1) means antibiotics are unlikely to make any difference and self-care is the better option.
What is the FeverPAIN score?
FeverPAIN is a validated 5-point clinical score: Fever in last 24 hours; Purulence (pus on tonsils); rapid Attendance (within 3 days); severely Inflamed tonsils; No cough or coryza. Each scores 1 point. A score of 4-5 indicates a higher chance of streptococcal infection and benefit from antibiotics.
How long does a sore throat usually last?
Most sore throats start to improve within 3-4 days and clear up within a week, even without antibiotics. If yours is worse after a week or you develop new symptoms like a high fever, come back and see us.
What can I do at home?
Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever; medicated lozenges or anaesthetic throat sprays; warm drinks (honey and lemon can soothe); plenty of fluids; rest; and avoid smoking. Salt-water gargling helps some adults.
Is strep throat dangerous?
In most healthy people, strep throat resolves on its own — antibiotics shorten symptoms by about a day. Antibiotics are mainly given to reduce a small risk of complications (rheumatic fever, quinsy) and to limit spread. We'll discuss risks and benefits with you.
Should my child come in?
Yes — children aged 5 and over are eligible. For children under 5 with a sore throat, please see your GP or NHS 111. If your child is very unwell, struggling to breathe, drooling, or has a high fever that's not improving, seek urgent care.
When can I go back to work or school?
You can return to work or school when you feel well enough and your fever has settled. If you've been given antibiotics for strep throat, you're considered non-infectious after 24 hours of antibiotics.
Could it be something else?
Yes — glandular fever (mononucleosis), oral thrush, acid reflux, and tonsillitis caused by other organisms can all mimic strep. Our pharmacist will consider these and refer you on if needed.
Throat too sore to swallow?
Walk into Qrystal Pharmacy for a free NHS Pharmacy First consultation — same day, FeverPAIN scoring, no GP needed.