Acute Sore Throat

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Please select an appropriate time for the pharmacist to conduct a video consultation with you to review your condition.

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Before proceeding further, it is essential to ensure that the patient is not exhibiting any symptoms of epiglottitis. Please confirm if any of the following symptoms are present:

a. Dysphagia (Dysphagia involves difficulty swallowing, leading to sensations of food stuck in the throat and potential choking. It's more common in older adults and can be caused by neurological issues or oesophageal obstructions. Complications may include malnutrition. Treatments vary, including dietary changes and therapy. You can find more information on dysphagia by clicking here)
b. Dysphonia (Dysphonia affects voice quality, making it hoarse, weak, or strained, and can impact communication. It results from disrupted vocal cord vibrations, often due to larynx abnormalities or factors like acid reflux and stress. You can find more information on dysphonia by clicking here).
c. Drooling
d. Distress (extreme anxiety or pain)
e. Dehydration (symptoms include thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, decreased urine output, dark yellow urine, dry skin, and dizziness). For further information please click here.
f. Pharyngeal abscess (this is a pus-filled swelling in the pharynx, the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, often resulting from infection. It can cause severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swelling in the neck.) For further information please click here.
g. Stridor (Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow, typically heard during inhalation. It indicates a blockage or narrowing in the upper airway and requires immediate medical attention.)

Please choose one option(Required)

I confirm that none of the above symptoms are present.

The patient is experiencing ONE or MORE of the above symptoms.

If the patient is experiencing any of the critical symptoms outlined above, IMMEDIATE ACTION is required. They must dial 999 without delay or visit their local accident and emergency center. Prompt action is crucial for their safety.
You can find your nearest A&E by clicking on this link.

if you are unsure about your symptoms please contact the pharmacy on 01204 456390 and speak to our pharmacist.

Does the patient have any of the following:

Signs of scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever often starts with flu-like symptoms such as a high fever, sore throat, and swollen neck glands, followed by a rash 12 to 48 hours later. This rash, starting on the chest and tummy, feels like sandpaper and appears as small, raised bumps. On white skin, it's pink or red, while on brown and black skin, the colour change may be less noticeable, but the texture and bumps are still evident.
You can find more information about Scarlet Fever by clicking here.

Signs of Quinsy?

Quinsy is a severe infection where pus forms near the tonsils, often following tonsillitis. Symptoms include a very sore throat, trouble swallowing, fever, and swelling in the throat, causing a change in voice.
You can find more information about Quinsy by clicking here.

Signs of Glandular Fever?

Glandular fever is a virus causing fever, sore throat, tiredness, and swollen glands, mainly in teens and young adults. It spreads through saliva.
You can find more information about Glandular Fever by clicking here.

Do you have any from the above?(Required)

Yes

Individuals showing signs of glandular fever, quinsy, or scarlet fever are not suitable for treatment under the Pharmacy First service because these conditions require more comprehensive medical assessment and treatment than the pharmacy first service can provide.

- Glandular Fever: This viral infection needs careful monitoring due to its potential to cause significant fatigue and complications like an enlarged spleen. There's no specific treatment, but the condition often requires medical advice on managing symptoms and avoiding complications.

- Quinsy: As a serious complication of tonsillitis leading to an abscess near the tonsils, quinsy requires immediate medical intervention, including possible drainage of the abscess and antibiotics, which are beyond the scope of Pharmacy First services.

- Scarlet Fever: This bacterial infection can lead to severe complications if not treated with the appropriate antibiotics. It also requires a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

These conditions all potentially pose serious health risks and can require specific treatments such as antibiotics (for bacterial infections) or other medical interventions, as well as close monitoring for complications. Therefore, they necessitate a level of care that is beyond the advisory and treatment capabilities typically available through the pharmacy first service.

Please contact your GP to arrange an appointment, or contact your local Accident & Emergency centre (A&E) if symptoms are severe.
You can find your nearest A&E by clicking on this link.

Please select an appropriate time for the pharmacist to conduct a video consultation with you to review your condition.

It is important to first check if individuals are experiencing any red flag symptoms which may indicate serious illnesses such as sepsis. Red flag symptoms include:

Before proceeding further, it is essential to ensure that the patient is not exhibiting any symptoms of epiglottitis. Please confirm if any of the following symptoms are present:

Does the patient have any of the following: