Sore throat and infection

Viral illnesses such as a common cold, influenza, or COVID-19 can inflame the throat and may also cause cough, congestion, tiredness, or body aches. Bacterial strep throat can cause marked throat pain and painful swallowing, sometimes with swollen neck glands. Tonsillitis affects the tonsils and may produce redness, swelling, or spots. Glandular fever can cause a prolonged sore throat with pronounced tiredness and swollen glands. Symptoms overlap, so throat appearance alone cannot reliably identify the cause; a clinician may use an examination and, when appropriate, testing.

Drink enough to keep your mouth moist, rest, and choose foods that are easy to swallow. Warm drinks, cool fluids, or a salt-water gargle may soothe some people. Avoid smoking and sharing cups or utensils while you are unwell. Follow medicine labels carefully, especially if combining cold products. Antibiotics are useful for selected bacterial infections but do not clear viral infections, so do not use leftover medicine.

Contact a clinician if symptoms are severe, are not improving, recur often, or make it hard to drink. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, drooling, inability to swallow, one-sided throat swelling, a muffled voice, or signs of dehydration. Ask about testing if you have close contact with someone with a diagnosed infection, need advice about work or school, or have a condition that affects your immune system.

Does my examination suggest a viral illness, strep throat, or tonsillitis? Would a test change treatment? How can I manage pain safely with my current medicines? When can I return to normal activities?