Antibiotics

Delayed Prescription for Sore Throats

Medical research shows that most sore throats get better without antibiotics and that a prescription does not make much difference. Also, we are trying very hard to keep antibiotics for those who really need them. This is because bacteria are clever: they adapt and find ways to survive the effects of an antibiotic. They become ‘antibiotic resistant’ so that the antibiotic no longer works. The more we use an antibiotic the less effective they become for treating infections.

Your Doctor has said you do not need to take antibiotics now. However, if your sore throat is no better in 3 days time, you should start taking antibiotics. Your Doctor may have given you a prescription, which you can take to the Pharmacy  in 3 days time, or you may need to come back to the surgery to collect a prescription.

Treatment

You can treat your sore throat with medicines, which can be bought in shops or Pharmacies. Your Pharmacist will be able to advise you on the medicines available and which ones are best for you.