Pharmacy First Toolkit: Sore throat

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Counselling points

NICE recommends paracetamol for relief of pain or fever, or if preferred and suitable, ibuprofen
Medicated lozenges such as those containing benzocaine, hexylresorcinol or flurbiprofen may help to reduce pain in adults
In the minority of cases where an antibiotic is offered it is still important to advise on the use of analgesics and self-care measures
Health literacy may be poor; one-third of adults consider that antibiotics work for viral and fungal infections as well as for bacterial infections
Many patients are satisfied if listened to carefully, are examined thoroughly, and provided with a reasoned explanation as to why an antibiotic may not be required with alternatives recommended for relieving symptoms
Service-specific PGDs define the inclusion and exclusion criteria for different antibiotics. If an antibiotic is issued, symptom relief should also be advised
For patients whose clinical score does not warrant antibiotics, advise returning if they do not feel better after three to five days or if they are feeling worse

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