TREAT YOUR SORE THROAT

Lloyds Pharmacy Pharmacist, Pareena Patel, explains what to do when you get that tickle

Usually caused by cold or flu, a sore throat can also be an allergy to dust or mould from damp. Spread via droplets sprayed when you sneeze or cough, they usually clear up within a week or so. Relieve your throat by drinking warm liquids, gargling salt water or sucking ice cubes. Avoid alcohol, smoking and very hot food or drink. If symptoms don’t improve after a week, see your GP. Around 85% of sore throats are not treatable by antibiotics. The walk-in Lloyds Pharmacy Sore Throat Service can diagnose yours for £4.99.