Advice from WellBN
A viral throat infection is typically treated with supportive care, as antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. The main goals are to alleviate symptoms and help your body recover.
For children under 5 years If your child does not recover after 4-5 days request an appointment. We may send out a text with some questions to rule in or rule out antibiotics. This is the fever pain score. If you can return this to us we can in the most serious of cases ensure your child receives the correct antibiotics quickly.
Bacterial Tonsillitis in adults is rarer but does still happen, however, If you are 5 years and over, you can be treated under the NHS in the consultation room at the pharmacy under the The NEW Pharmacy First Servce. Most adults will recover without antibiotics in 4-5 days.
Self care to manage your sore throat
1. Rest and Hydration
- Rest: Get plenty of rest to allow your immune system to fight off the virus.
- Hydration: Drink lots of fluids like water, herbal teas, broths, or electrolyte solutions. Staying hydrated helps keep your throat moist and soothes irritation.
2. Gargling with Salt Water
- Gargle with warm salt water (about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day to help reduce throat inflammation and discomfort.
3. Pain Relievers
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce throat pain and inflammation.
- Follow dosing instructions on the label, and make sure to use the medication as directed.
4. Throat Lozenges or Sprays
- Sucking on lozenges or using throat sprays containing ingredients like menthol, benzocaine, or eucalyptus can provide temporary relief from sore throat pain.
5. Humidify the Air
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help soothe a dry or scratchy throat. A cool-mist humidifier is often recommended, especially while you sleep.
6. Warm Liquids
- Drinking warm liquids like tea with honey or warm broths can provide relief from throat discomfort.
- Honey has soothing and antimicrobial properties, and it can help coat your throat.
7. Avoid Irritants
- Stay away from irritants like smoke, strong chemicals, and dry air that can worsen throat discomfort.
- Avoid shouting or talking loudly to prevent further irritation.
8. Dietary Considerations
- Stick to soft, easy-to-swallow foods, especially if swallowing is painful. Examples include soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies.
- Avoid acidic foods (like citrus or tomatoes) that might irritate your throat further.
9. Warm Compress
- Applying a warm compress to your neck may help soothe throat pain and reduce inflammation.
10. Monitor for Complications
- Most viral throat infections will improve in 7 to 10 days without specific treatment. However, if you experience symptoms like high fever, difficulty swallowing, severe pain, or persistent symptoms, it’s important to contact WELLBN. These could be signs of a secondary bacterial infection or a more serious condition.
When to contact WellBN
If you or your child have:
- If the sore throat lasts longer than 4-5 days.
- If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- If you develop a high fever (above 38.3°C).
- If there is swelling in the neck or persistent ear pain.
- If you notice a rash or white patches on the throat (this could indicate a different condition like a bacterial throat infection).
When to seek urgent help
If you or your child have,
- a temperature above 39.5 degrees
- unable to drink fluids
- starts to drool or cant swallow their own saliva
- becomes unresponsive or confused
- stop having wet nappies or stops passing urine
These are RED FLAGS for more serious conditions such as SEPSIS and needs immediate emergency help.
Don’t wait for your GP call 999 or attend your local emergency department.
If we are closed please call 111
Tonsilitus
Symptoms
- Sore throat
- High Fever
- Swollen tonsils
- Visible puss on the tonsils
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Refusal to eat or drink in younger children and babies
- Headache
Tonsilitis in Adults
Tonsilitis in Children
Scarlet Fever / Strep A
Symptoms
- Sore throat
- High Fever
- Swollen tonsils
- Visible puss on the tonsils
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Refusal to eat or drink in younger children and babies
- Headache
Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body’s own tissues and organs. You cannot catch sepsis from another person.
Call 999 or go to A&E if
A baby or young child has any of these symptoms of sepsis:
- blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage),
- breathlessness or breathing very fast
- a weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry
- not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
- being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
-
Call 999 or go to A&E if
An adult or older child has any of these symptoms of sepsis:
- acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
- blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
They may not have all these symptoms.