Sore Throat: symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Most sore throats are caused by viral infections like colds or flu and ease within about a week with simple remedies. See a pharmacist or GP if it's severe, lasts longer than a week, or comes with difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Overview
A sore throat is usually part of a viral illness — a cold, flu, or laryngitis — causing pain, scratchiness, or irritation, sometimes with difficulty swallowing.
Less often, a sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection (such as strep throat) or by non-infectious causes like acid reflux, allergies, or dry air.
What may help
- Warm drinks with honey and lemon, or ice lollies for children
- Gargling with warm salt water (adults and older children)
- Lozenges or throat sprays from a pharmacist
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief, as directed
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Sore throat lasting more than a week without improving
- A very high temperature, or feeling generally very unwell
- White spots or pus on the tonsils
- Swollen, tender glands in the neck alongside the sore throat
When it could be an emergency
- Difficulty breathing, or drooling because you can't swallow saliva
- Difficulty swallowing to the point you can't manage fluids
- Severe swelling in the mouth or throat, or a muffled "hot potato" voice
- A stiff neck with fever and headache
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Sore Throat" in the appCommon questions
Is a sore throat always a sign of infection?
Usually, but not always — smoking, dry air, shouting, acid reflux, and allergies can all cause a sore throat without any infection being involved.
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Most sore throats are viral and don't need antibiotics. A pharmacist or GP can assess whether a bacterial cause (like strep throat) is likely and antibiotics are appropriate.
How can I tell if it's tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis often causes visibly red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches, along with a fever and difficulty swallowing — a pharmacist or GP can confirm and advise on treatment.
How long does a sore throat last?
Most sore throats get better on their own within about a week.
What helps a sore throat?
Paracetamol or ibuprofen, drinking plenty of fluids, eating cool or soft foods, and gargling with warm salty water (adults only) may help. A pharmacist can suggest lozenges or sprays.
Official sources
Related topics
Common Cold
What's normal, self-care, and when to get checked.
Flu (Influenza)
Symptoms, self-care, and when it turns serious.
Cough
How long a cough lasts and when to get it checked.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
A common mild illness in young children.
General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.