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Sore throat
Sore throat (pharyngitis) is very common and is usually caused by a virus. Symptoms typically get worse over 2 to 3 days and then gradually go, usually within 7 days
You may also experience a high temperature, headache, earache, and tiredness
Helping yourself:
- it is likely to be painful to swallow, but you should continue to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration (ice-cold drinks will be soothing)
- you should take paracetamol or ibuprofen for the pain and fever
- sucking boiled sweets will help produce extra saliva which will lubricate your throat
A doctor will not usually prescribe an antibiotic as sore throats are usually caused by viruses, not bacteria, and it is not possible to tell the cause by looking, only by laboratory tests. Your immune system usually clears these infections within a few days whether caused by viruses or bacteria
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the back of the mouth. Symptoms are similar to a sore throat, but may be more severe. In particular, fever and generally feeling unwell tends to be worse. See our Tonsillitis page for more information
Occasionally a throat or tonsil infection is due to an uncommon cause, such as glandular fever. See our Glandular Fever page
See a doctor if symptoms are severe, or if they do not start to get better after 3 to 4 days
Source: LSMP
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