KEY FACTS

• NICE recommends paracetamol for relief of pain or fever in sore throat 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 bacterial infections
• Many patients are satisfied if listened to carefully, examined thoroughly and provided with a reasoned explanation as to why an antibiotic may not be required, with alternatives recommended for relieving symptoms
• Pharmacy First service-specific PGDs define the inclusion and exclusion criteria for different antibiotics in sore throat. 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