Winter wellness
Sore throat, cold or flu this winter?
Most winter bugs get better at home, and our pharmacists are here to help you feel better and to spot when you need more. No appointment needed to ask us.
How we can help
Three ways to get help this winter
Ask a pharmacist
Walk in to any branch for advice on easing cold, flu, cough and sore throat symptoms, and on which remedies are safe for you or your child alongside your other medicines.
NHS Pharmacy First for sore throat
Aged 5 or over? Our pharmacists can assess a sore throat and, if appropriate, treat it without a GP appointment. Find out more.
Flu and other vaccinations
Flu, COVID-19 and MenB vaccinations are booked through the NHS booking service. See how to book.
Health guides
What to do at home, and when to get help
Written by our pharmacy team and reviewed by our pharmacist.
Sore throat
A sore throat is very common and is usually caused by a virus, such as a cold or flu. Most get better on their own within about a week and do not need antibiotics.
Read the guide →Common cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. It is very common and usually mild. There is no cure, but most people feel better within a week or two, and antibiotics do not help because colds are caused by viruses.
Read the guide →Flu
Flu (influenza) is a viral infection that comes on suddenly and can make you feel very unwell. Most healthy people recover at home in about a week, but flu can be serious for older people, pregnant women, very young children and people with long-term health conditions.
Read the guide →Cough
A cough is the body's way of clearing the airways. Most coughs are caused by a cold or a chest infection, and they usually clear up on their own, although a cough can linger for a few weeks after the other symptoms have gone.
Read the guide →Get urgent help if:
- • You are struggling to breathe, or have chest pain. Call 999.
- • A baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or above.
- • You feel very unwell, confused or unusually drowsy, or symptoms suddenly get worse.
- • You are unsure. Call 111, or ask us.