PHARMACISTS in the UK will be the first port of call for people suffering sore throats, with the national rollout of a new Sore Throat Test and Treat service.
Aimed at reducing GP visits and the over-use of antibiotics, the scheme is also targeting savings for the National Health Service.
The service has been trialled in 35 pharmacies, with patients given a throat swab which measures sugars on the tongue to determine if the illness is caused by a virus or is a bacterial infection.
Patients with non-viral conditions, for whom antibiotics will be effective, will be prescribed them by the pharmacist, rather than having to see a doctor.
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