Sore Throat

• Raw feeling at the back of the throat;
• Discomfort on swallowing;
• Redness or swelling of the throat;
• Earache;
• Enlarged or tender lymph glands.

• Drink plenty of fluids;
• Gargle with salt water or soluable asprin, but do not swallow the gargle;

If in doubt, discuss over-the-counter medication with your pharmacist.

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to ease the pain;
• Sucking pastilles, lozenges or boiled sweets produces saliva which lubricates the throat and helps to wash away any infection;
• Antiseptic pastilles can help for certain types of sore throat;
• Anaesthetic sprays or lozenges can help, especially if you have difficulty swallowing, but these should not be used by children or the elderly or for more than 5 days.

• If the symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks.
• If you suffer any additional symptoms such as breathlessness, drowsiness or lethargy, or have a persistent high temperature.