We describe that at the end of this article. Here is some background first.
Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better by themselves within a week. And you do not usually need to see a doctor.
They are usually due to a virus, and a sore throat is often a symptom of:
A sore throat will often look like this
It may hurt more when you swallow or talk. Your throat or tonsils might also look red like in this picture.
Sometimes, white patches or areas of pus will form on the tonsils. These white patches are more common in strep throat than in a sore throat caused by a virus; but that is not a reliable way of distinguishing them. This is what that may look like.
Tell more about the spread and treatment of sore throat.
It depends on the cause. Yes, if it is due to glandular fever, COVID-19 or Strep throat. So avoid contact with someone with those causes of sore throat.
You can treat a sore throat yourself. To help soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts, you can:
If you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.
Antibiotics are not needed for most sore throats, even if it’s caused by a bacterial infection; as they’re unlikely to make you feel better any quicker and they can have unpleasant side effects.
You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as:
You can buy these treatments from a supermarket or from a pharmacist without a prescription.
If you have a persistent sore throat (one that lasts three to four weeks), you should see a doctor who may refer you for further tests. This is because your sore throat may be a symptom of a more serious condition.
Most sore throats are minor illnesses and get better with no treatment. But rarely they can be a serious problem
Visit your A&E or call 999 for an ambulance if you have severe symptoms such as:
We have described when should you see a doctor about a sore throat. We hope it has helped you.