Around 70% of  sore throats are caused by viral infections hence unsuitable for treatment with antibiotics. Other symptoms of a cold are often present or on the way and so should be treated.

A "strep throat" is an infection caused by a bacterium. This is most common in children of school-going age and usually requires antibiotics.

Smoking makes sore throats worse. A sore throat is usually self limiting and will resolve after 7-10 days.

Colds and flu are among the most frequently dealt with complaints in the pharmacy. There is no cure for a cold or flu as they are caused by viruses, but the symptoms can be relieved so that they are not so severe.

These symptoms include runny/blocked nose, sneezing/coughing, aches and pains, high temperature and sore throat. The flu comes on suddenly, a cold over several hours. Flu is a much more 'hard hitting' illness than a cold and will usually leave the sufferer confined to bed for a few days.

The symptoms of cold, while unpleasant, usually allow the sufferer to continue his or her normal daily activities. Symptoms of a cold are generally confined to the head, while a patient with the flu will feel sick all over. The treatment is the same for each condition regardless. Colds and flu generally last for about 7 days at most.

A sore throat is usually self limiting and will resolve after 7-10 days.