What should you know about viral sore throat treatment?

Viruses can inflame the throat and tonsils, making swallowing painful. A viral sore throat may occur with a cough, runny nose, hoarse voice, tiredness, headache or fever. Common cold, influenza and COVID-19 are possible viral causes. Acid reflux and allergic rhinitis can irritate the throat without an infection.

Strep throat, tonsillitis and glandular fever can need different assessment or treatment. The presence of a sore throat does not identify its cause on its own; the combination of symptoms, examination and sometimes testing is more useful.

Sip water or warm drinks, choose soft foods and rest your voice. Gargling with warm salty water may soothe adults and older children who can gargle safely. A pharmacist can advise on lozenges or pain relief, taking account of age, pregnancy, allergies and other medicines.

Avoid smoking and smoky air. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers unless a clinician specifically advises it. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share prescribed medicine; antibiotics are not useful for a viral infection.

Get emergency help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, severe one-sided throat swelling, rapidly worsening symptoms, or unusual drowsiness. Urgent advice is also needed if dehydration develops because drinking is too painful.

Arrange review when the pain is severe, keeps returning, lasts longer than expected, or comes with a persistent fever, rash, swollen neck glands, extreme fatigue or no cough with marked throat inflammation. A clinician may examine the tonsils and decide whether a swab or other test is appropriate.

What features suggest a virus rather than strep throat or tonsillitis? Which pain relief is safe with my medicines? Should I have a throat test? How much should I drink, and which symptoms mean I need urgent care?