“Sore throats are really common in both adults and children at this time of year and there is plenty of self-management advice that pharmacy teams can give to help people,” says Reshma Malde, superintendent at John Bell & Croyden.

Reshma’s first step is to start the patient off on their self care journey with simple advice about gargling with warm salty water: “Warm water is really soothing, and salt is naturally antibacterial, so often something this simple can clear catarrh wrapped around the voice box that is making their voice hoarse, and is also helpful if the sore throat is the start of a bacterial invasion.

“Another part of sore throat is that it’s uncomfortable to swallow. so eating and drinking is not easy,” she adds. “Lozenges, glycerin or syrups lend themselves to coating the throat and making it feel more comfortable. A spoonful of manuka honey, which we know has potent antiviral antibacterial properties, can also give you that coating.”

If the person is complaining of pain and can’t eat or drink then paracetamol can help. “If the throat is just a little red and raw you may want to recommend ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory solution”, says Reshma, “as well as anti-inflammatory lozenges that can lubricate and reduce inflammation, and sprays can also help with very severe sore throats and can be directed exactly where needed”.

Sore throats occasionally result in a significant reduction of fluid intake, which can cause dehydration, so it is important to remind patients to drink plenty of fluids. Sucking ice cubes, ice lollies or hard sweets can offer relief, but young children shouldn’t be given anything small and hard to suck because of the risk of choking. Additional information for children excluded from the service can be found in the Healthier Together guidance for tonsillitis or sore throat.

Reshma stresses that there is no one-size-fits-all OTC solution for sore throat. “It’s about tailoring the right style of product to the person depending on their needs”, she says, “as well as bearing in mind that some people want or need considerations such as a sugar-free product”.

Convenience is also something to factor into management options. “If the person is busy, for example, they may prefer to such lozenges rather than gargle,” adds Reshma. “The key is finding out what works for their lifestyle and adapting the product ranges all pharmacies have and tailoring to that patient. If you’re not giving them solutions that will work they won’t get the comfort they need, and when it comes to treating sore throat, comfort is key.”