What should you know about bacterial sore throat?

Bacteria can inflame the throat and nearby tonsils, causing pain when swallowing, a fever, tender glands in the neck and a flushed or coated throat. Symptoms overlap with viral illnesses, so appearance alone cannot reliably identify the cause. Strep throat is one bacterial cause; tonsillitis describes inflammation of the tonsils and can have more than one cause.

Cough, runny nose or hoarseness can point towards a viral illness such as a common cold or influenza, while reflux and allergies can also irritate the throat. A clinician may consider your symptoms, examine your throat and decide whether testing is useful.

Rest, drink fluids in small frequent amounts and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Warm drinks or cool fluids may soothe the throat; avoid smoke and other irritants. Use only medicines suitable for your age, health conditions and other medicines, following the label or a pharmacist’s advice.

Do not start leftover antibiotics. If a clinician identifies a bacterial infection, take the prescribed medicine exactly as directed and complete the course unless the prescriber changes the plan. Wash hands, avoid sharing cups and stay home while feverish or feeling unwell.

Arrange a medical assessment if throat pain is severe, swallowing remains difficult, symptoms are worsening, or fever does not settle. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, severe one-sided swelling, confusion or signs of dehydration such as very little urine.

Ask whether the pattern suggests a bacterial infection, whether a throat test is needed, which symptom medicines are suitable for you and when you can safely return to work or school.