Welcome to Chigwell Pharmacy

Pharmacy First - Sore throat advice and treatment service in Chigwell

At Chigwell Pharmacy, we offer free advice and NHS-funded treatment for suspected Strep A Sore throat infections in Chigwell. Children aged 5 years old and over and adults suffering from acute sore throat due to suspected streptococcal infection may be eligible for this service. Book your appointment online.

What causes a sore throat?

Sore throat is a common condition and usually will clear by itself within a week. In most cases, it is caused by a viral infection and less commonly by bacterial infection. It is also associated with a number of other conditions. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms to try and determine the cause of the sore throat.

What are the main signs and symptoms?

Sore throat is associated with a number of signs and symptoms. These include:

• Painful throat, especially when swallowing
• Temperature
• Swollen neck glands
• Feeling unwell
• Redness in the back of the throat
• Bad breath

Children usually can show the same symptoms and they may have fever and appear less active than usual.

Available treatments through the Pharmacy First Service for Sore Throat

A pharmacist will assess your symptoms during a consultation and if it is clinically appropriate and you are eligible through the NHS Pharmacy First service, a treatment may be offered to you for the sore throat. The available treatment options include:

Antibiotic tablets/Oral Solution 

(for the treatment of acute sore throat due to suspected streptococcal infection)

*If you are issued a prescription medicine, you will pay the standard NHS prescription charge unless you’re eligible for free prescriptions.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for treatment under the Pharmacy First Service or if the available treatments are not appropriate for your condition, the pharmacist might suggest an alternative treatment or signpost you to another service.

Want to learn more about sore throat infections? Check out the NHS webpage for up-to-date advice and information on sore throat.

Advice and treatment for other common conditions in Chigwell

The Pharmacy First Service is an NHS service designed to offer free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions including Sore Throat. Patients can access this service at Chigwell Pharmacy in Chigwell. The additional six conditions covered by this service are:

Infected Insect Bites – Free NHS* 

Uncomplicated UTIs – Free NHS* 

Earache – Free NHS* 

Impetigo – Free NHS* 

Shingles – Free NHS* 

Sinusitis – Free NHS*