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

By Jaydev Varsani – Clinical Prescribing Pharmacist, Murrays Chemist, Harrow

As soon as the cold weather sets in, coughs, colds, and sore throats start doing the rounds. Whether it’s from school, work, or public transport, almost everyone catches something this time of year.

The big question patients often ask is:
“Do I need antibiotics, or should I just ride it out?”

At Murrays Chemist in Harrow, we see hundreds of people every winter asking exactly that — and most of the time, antibiotics aren’t needed. But when a bacterial infection does take hold, getting the right treatment quickly can make all the difference.

Here’s how to tell what works, what doesn’t, and when you should see a clinician.

Understanding Colds, Coughs and Sore Throats

Colds and sore throats are most often caused by viruses, not bacteria.
Common culprits include rhinovirus, adenovirus, and coronavirus (the everyday seasonal types, not COVID-19). These infections mainly affect your nose, throat, and sinuses — what doctors call the upper respiratory tract.

Typical symptoms include:

• Scratchy or sore throat

• Blocked or runny nose

• Sneezing or mild cough

• Tiredness and muscle aches

• Slight fever

• Post-nasal drip (the feeling of mucus down the back of your throat)

Most of these infections clear up naturally within 7 to 10 days, though coughs can linger slightly longer.

Why Antibiotics Don’t Usually Help

Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, not viruses.
When used for a cold or mild sore throat, they make no difference to recovery and can actually cause side effects like diarrhoea, thrush, and nausea. Overuse also contributes to antibiotic resistance, which makes future infections harder to treat.

So if you’ve got a cold, antibiotics won’t make you better faster — but there are plenty of other ways to feel more comfortable while your immune system does the work.

What Actually Works for a Cold or Sore Throat

1. Rest and Hydration

Your immune system works best when you’re rested and well hydrated. Aim for plenty of sleep, warm drinks, and fluids throughout the day. Hot tea with honey and lemon can be surprisingly soothing.

2. Pain and Fever Relief

Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen help reduce fever, sore throat, and headaches. Always follow the dose instructions on the pack and ask us if you’re unsure what’s suitable.

3. Throat Sprays, Lozenges and Gargles

Throat sprays containing benzydamine or mild antiseptics can ease pain and inflammation.
Simple honey-based lozenges or warm salt-water gargles also help soothe irritation and reduce swelling.

4. Decongestants and Nasal Sprays

Short-term nasal sprays or decongestant tablets can relieve a blocked nose, but shouldn’t be used for more than 5–7 days in a row. We can recommend the safest option depending on your medical history.

5. Saline Sprays or Steam Inhalation

Saline nasal sprays and steam inhalation loosen mucus, ease congestion, and moisturise dry nasal passages — simple and safe options for most adults and children.

6. Vitamin D and Immune Support

In the UK, vitamin D levels fall sharply during autumn and winter. Low vitamin D can affect your immune system and make colds more frequent or harder to shake off.
At Murrays Chemist, we offer private blood testing to check your vitamin D, B12, and iron levels — all of which can impact energy and immunity. Results usually return within 48 hours, and we’ll guide you on any supplementation needed.

When to See a Pharmacist or Doctor

Most sore throats, coughs, and colds improve within a week. But you should seek medical advice if you notice:

• High fever lasting more than 3 days

• Shortness of breath or wheezing

• Chest pain when breathing or coughing

• Difficulty swallowing or drooling

• Severe throat pain or one-sided swelling

• White patches on the tonsils or pus

• Persistent cough for more than 3 weeks

• Blood in your phlegm

• You feel much worse instead of better

If you experience any of these, visit Murrays Chemist for an assessment. We can help determine whether your infection might be bacterial and, if appropriate, provide antibiotics through the NHS Pharmacy First scheme or via a private consultation.

How Murrays Chemist Can Help

NHS Pharmacy First Service

If you’re eligible under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, our trained pharmacists can assess your sore throat or earache in-pharmacy. If we believe antibiotics are warranted based on your symptoms, we can supply them directly without a GP appointment.

This service saves time, avoids unnecessary GP visits, and ensures antibiotics are used responsibly.

Private Consultations

If you don’t meet the NHS criteria or want a more comprehensive review, we also offer private consultations at Murrays Chemist, Harrow.
You’ll be seen by a prescribing pharmacist who can assess your symptoms and prescribe the most appropriate treatment, whether that’s antibiotics, steroids, or other medication.

We take a pragmatic approach — guided by your symptoms, medical history, and professional clinical judgement.

Private Blood Testing

For patients who suffer from recurrent sore throats or frequent infections, blood testing can highlight underlying issues such as:

• Low vitamin D or B12

• Iron or ferritin deficiency

• Thyroid imbalance

• Weakened immune response

Our blood tests are processed by TDL Pathology, and results are normally ready within two working days.
We’ll review your results and recommend next steps, whether that’s lifestyle advice, supplements, or prescription treatment.

How to Prevent Colds and Sore Throats

• Wash your hands regularly or use sanitiser after public transport or shopping

• Keep rooms well ventilated, especially when someone is unwell

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and protein

• Stay hydrated and maintain good sleep routines

• Avoid close contact with anyone coughing or sneezing

• Keep up to date with flu and COVID vaccinations

• Consider a daily vitamin D supplement through winter months

The Bottom Line

Most colds, coughs, and sore throats will get better on their own, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer.
Pharmacists are now trained and authorised to assess and treat these common conditions — and at Murrays Chemist, we can do even more.

Whether you need advice, symptom relief, or prescription treatment, our pharmacist-led team is here to help.
We provide:

• NHS Pharmacy First assessments for sore throats and ear infections

• Private consultations with prescribing pharmacists

• Blood testing to investigate recurring infections or immune deficiencies

• Winter wellness support, including supplements and flu vaccinations

If you’re struggling with a sore throat, cough, or cold that just won’t go away, come in and see us at Murrays Chemist, 172 Kenton Road, Harrow, HA3 8BL — or call 0208 907 0413 to book an appointment today.

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 Advice 2025/26

4. NICE – Vitamin D: treatment and prevention guidance

5. Community Pharmacy England – Pharmacy First service information

6. Murrays Chemist – Private Prescribing and Blood Testing Services (2025)