Colds, Coughs and Sore Throats – What Works and When to See a Doctor

By Jaydev Varsani – Clinical Prescribing Pharmacist, Bramley Pharmacy, Ealing

Every autumn and winter, coughs, colds and sore throats seem to spread like wildfire — through schools, workplaces, and families.

It’s the time of year when many people come into the pharmacy asking the same question:
“Do I need antibiotics, or will this get better on its own?”

At Bramley Pharmacy in Ealing, we help patients make that decision every day. Most coughs and sore throats are viral and clear up on their own, but when a bacterial infection takes hold, it’s important to get it treated promptly and appropriately.

Here’s what actually works, when antibiotics might help, and when you should book in to see a pharmacist or doctor.

Understanding the Common Cold and Sore Throat

Colds and mild throat infections are typically caused by viruses, not bacteria.
These viral infections affect the nose, throat, and sinuses — known collectively as the upper respiratory tract.

Typical symptoms include:

• Sore or scratchy throat

• Blocked or runny nose

• Sneezing or cough

• Slight fever or chills

• Fatigue and muscle aches

• Throat tickle or post-nasal drip

Symptoms usually peak around day three or four, and most people recover within a week to ten days.

Why Antibiotics Don’t Usually Help

Antibiotics work only on bacterial infections.
They make no difference to viral illnesses like the common cold or flu — and taking them unnecessarily can cause side effects (such as diarrhoea or thrush) and contribute to antibiotic resistance, a growing public health concern.

That said, certain bacterial infections — such as tonsillitis or Strep throat — can benefit from antibiotics. Recognising when that’s likely is part of what your pharmacist can assess.

What Really Works for a Cold or Sore Throat

While your immune system clears the infection, there are several ways to reduce symptoms and feel more comfortable.

1. Rest and Stay Hydrated

Your body needs rest to recover.
Drink plenty of fluids — warm teas, soups, and water help keep your throat moist and thin mucus secretions.

2. Relieve Pain and Fever

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease throat pain or body aches.
Always follow the dosage instructions and check with us if you’re on other medication.

3. Throat Sprays, Lozenges and Gargles

Throat sprays containing benzydamine or mild anaesthetic ingredients can numb soreness.
Simple honey-based lozenges or warm saltwater gargles also soothe inflammation and irritation.

4. Decongestants and Nasal Sprays

Short-term nasal decongestants can relieve blocked noses — but limit use to 5–7 days.
We can advise on which type is safest if you have high blood pressure or other medical conditions.

5. Steam Inhalation or Saline Sprays

Steam inhalation loosens mucus and soothes dry airways.
Saline sprays are gentle and suitable for most adults and children.

6. Support Your Immune System

Your immune system relies on adequate nutrition, particularly vitamin D, B12, iron, and zinc.
Low levels of these nutrients can make infections more frequent or slower to recover from.

At Bramley Pharmacy, we offer on-site blood testing to check your vitamin and nutrient levels.
If we detect low vitamin D, B12 or ferritin, we can recommend supplementation or even provide vitamin injections in-pharmacy to help restore your immune strength.

When to See a Pharmacist or Doctor

Most coughs, colds and sore throats get better without medical treatment.
However, seek advice if you notice:

• Fever lasting more than 3 days

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain

• Difficulty swallowing or drooling

• Persistent high temperature or worsening sore throat

• White patches or pus on the tonsils

• Swollen neck glands

• Cough lasting longer than 3 weeks

• Blood in your phlegm or mucus

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, visit Bramley Pharmacy for a same-day review.
Our clinical pharmacist can assess your symptoms, offer appropriate treatment, and prescribe antibiotics privately if a bacterial infection is suspected.

How Bramley Pharmacy Can Help

1. Walk-In Consultations

We offer face-to-face private consultations with a prescribing pharmacist who can clinically assess your sore throat, cough, or sinus symptoms.
If antibiotics or other medication are appropriate, we can prescribe and dispense them immediately.

You don’t need to wait for a GP appointment — just call ahead or walk in for availability.

2. NHS Pharmacy First

If you’re eligible, we may be able to assess and supply treatment under the NHS Pharmacy First service, depending on the nature of your symptoms and criteria.
This service helps patients access antibiotics safely without needing to visit their GP.

3. Private Blood Testing and Vitamin Support

For patients prone to repeated infections, our private blood testing service can check for:

• Vitamin D, B12 and folate deficiencies

• Iron and ferritin levels

• Thyroid function

• General immune health markers

Results are usually available within 48 hours, and our pharmacist will explain your results and next steps clearly.

We also offer vitamin D, B12, and biotin injections, and IV vitamin therapy for those wanting a more direct immune boost.

When to Use Antibiotics

Antibiotics may be appropriate if:

• Your sore throat is severe and worsening

• You have a fever above 38.5°C

• There is visible pus or significant tonsil swelling

• You have risk factors (low immunity, chronic illness, frailty)

Where clinically justified, antibiotics can be prescribed directly through our private clinic at Bramley Pharmacy.

Tips to Prevent Winter Infections

• Wash hands regularly or use sanitiser when out and about

• Avoid close contact with anyone coughing or sneezing

• Keep rooms ventilated, especially in winter

• Maintain a balanced diet with adequate protein, fruit, and vegetables

• Keep hydrated and well-rested

• Take a daily vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter

• Stay up to date with flu and COVID vaccinations

The Takeaway

Most coughs, colds, and sore throats get better without antibiotics, but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle through them.
Pharmacists are now highly trained to assess, treat, and prescribe for these common conditions — and at Bramley Pharmacy, you can get professional help quickly and conveniently.

We provide:

• Private walk-in consultations for sore throats and infections

• NHS Pharmacy First treatment (where eligible)

• On-site blood testing and vitamin injections to boost immunity

• Personalised treatment plans prescribed by an experienced clinical pharmacist

If you’re struggling with a sore throat or cough this winter, visit Bramley Pharmacy, 261 Northfield Avenue, Ealing, W5 4UA, or call 0208 840 4464 to arrange a consultation.

References

1. NHS England – Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways: Sore Throat (2024)

2. NICE CKS – Sore throat (acute): antimicrobial prescribing

3. GOV.UK – Winter Respiratory Illness Guidance 2025/26

4. NICE – Vitamin D: treatment and prevention guidance

5. Community Pharmacy England – Pharmacy First information

6. Bramley Pharmacy – Private Clinic and Blood Testing Services (2025)