Sore throat for a week: what to know

Viral illnesses such as a common cold, influenza, COVID-19 or glandular fever can inflame the throat. Tonsillitis and strep throat can also cause pain, especially when swallowing. Nasal drainage from allergic rhinitis may irritate the back of the throat, while acid reflux can cause a sore or burning throat without a typical cold. The duration alone cannot identify the cause.

Notice whether the pain is improving, whether you have fever, swollen neck glands, a cough, a blocked nose, marked tiredness, a rash or white patches on the tonsils. These details help a clinician decide whether an examination or throat testing is useful.

Drink fluids regularly and choose warm or cool drinks according to what feels soothing. Rest your voice, avoid cigarette smoke and keep air from becoming very dry. Soft foods may be easier to swallow. Gargling with warm salty water can provide temporary comfort for adults who can gargle safely; spit it out rather than swallowing it. Use a pharmacist or clinician to check which pain relief is suitable for you, particularly if you are pregnant or have another medical condition.

Seek urgent help if breathing is difficult, you cannot swallow liquids or saliva, you are drooling, your voice becomes muffled, or swelling is rapidly increasing. Arrange a medical review when a week-long sore throat is worsening, keeps returning, is accompanied by a high fever or severe one-sided pain, or does not begin to settle. Get advice sooner if you have a weakened immune system.

Could my symptoms fit a viral illness, tonsillitis, strep throat, reflux or nasal allergy? Do I need a throat examination or test? Which pain-relief options are suitable with my medicines and health conditions?