Sore Throat

A sore throat is pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that often gets worse when swallowing. Simple sore throat remedies, like warm liquids, salt water gargles, and lozenges, help most people. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and clear within a week.

What Is It

Viruses that cause colds and flu cause most sore throats. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics. Allergies, dry air, post nasal drip, acid reflux, and yelling can also irritate the throat.

Symptoms

Pain or scratchiness in the throat
Pain when swallowing
Swollen, tender glands in the neck
Red or swollen tonsils
Hoarse voice
Cough, runny nose, or fever

Not sure if it’s strep? Sudden throat pain with fever and no cough may be strep throat. Swollen tonsils with white patches may be tonsillitis.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines your throat and neck. A rapid strep test or mono test may help find the cause. Viral sore throats are treated with symptom relief. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics.

At home:

Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day
Drink warm tea with honey, for anyone over age 1
Use lozenges or throat spray
Use a humidifier and rest your voice

Most viral sore throats improve within 5 to 7 days.

When to Get Care for a Sore Throat

Watch at Home

Mild sore throat with a runny nose and cough
Able to swallow and drink normally

Come to Urgent Care Today

Sore throat with fever and no cough
White patches or swollen tonsils
A sore throat lasting more than 5 days
Sore throat with a rash
Exposure to someone with strep

Go to the Emergency Department

Trouble breathing or swallowing saliva
Drooling or unable to open the mouth
A muffled voice with severe one sided throat pain
Neck swelling or stiffness with high fever

FAQ

What are the best sore throat remedies?

The best sore throat remedies are warm salt water gargles, warm tea with honey, lozenges, plenty of fluids, a humidifier, and over the counter pain relievers.

How do I know if my sore throat is strep?

A sore throat may be strep when it starts suddenly with fever, swollen glands, and white patches, without a cough. A rapid strep test confirms it.

How long does a sore throat last?

A sore throat from a virus usually lasts 5 to 7 days. A sore throat lasting longer, or with high fever, should be checked.

Does a sore throat need antibiotics?

Most sore throats do not need antibiotics because they are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are used for strep throat and other bacterial infections.

Can urgent care treat a sore throat?

Yes, urgent care can treat a sore throat. Vitality Urgent Care offers rapid strep and mono testing for adults and children. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is a sore throat an emergency?

A sore throat is an emergency when you have trouble breathing or swallowing saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, or cannot open your mouth.

Last reviewed October 2026