Tag Archives: Antibiotics

Got a sore throat?

A sore throat is not usually a serious condition and often gets better on its own in three to seven days.

Sore throat ?

To relieve the symptoms painkillers such as paracetamol and throat lozenges are usually recommended. Our pharmacy can offer a variety of such products.

To help prevent irritation of the throat avoid food or drink that is too hot. Stick to cool, soft food and drink cool or warm liquids. Regularly gargling with a mouthwash of warm, salty water may help reduce swelling or pain.

Antibiotics are not recommended for treating sore throats because the infection is usually caused by a virus, not by bacteria. Even if your sore throat is caused by bacteria, antibiotics have very little effect on the severity of the symptoms and how long they last.

You should see your GP if you have persistent symptoms that are not responding to self-treatment, or if you are at risk of developing complications – if you have a weakened immune system, for example. Ask you pharmacist if you are not sure.

Take care, not antibiotics

Imagine a world where old diseases like leprosy and tuberculosis are common, where pneumonia is a killer, and cuts and grazes that turn septic can be fatal. This is the threat posed by antibiotic resistance. It is one of the biggest threats facing health services today. Without effective antibiotics many routine treatments will become increasingly dangerous. Setting broken bones, basic operations and chemotherapy all rely on access to antibiotics that work.

What can you do to help with antibiotic resistance?

You can do your bit to help since it is the inappropriate use and prescribing of antibiotics that is causing the development of resistance. Antibiotics do not treat illnesses caused by viruses, like colds and flu, so don’t go to your GP and pester him for antibiotics. Ask your pharmacist for something to relieve your symptoms.

If you do have a serious infection and have been prescribed an antibiotic – check with the pharmacist when you pick the prescription up if you are not sure – then make sure you take it properly:

• Take it as prescribed
• Do not skip doses
• Do not take it at irregular intervals
• Do not ‘save some for later’ if you are feeling better. Complete the course.