Quick answer
What is sore throat?
A sore throat is very common and is usually caused by a viral infection such as a cold. It normally gets better on its own within a week, and self-care like resting, drinking fluids and pharmacy remedies can ease the discomfort. Antibiotics are rarely needed.
What is a sore throat?
A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often feels worse when you swallow. It is one of the most common reasons people feel under the weather, and it is usually nothing to worry about.
Symptoms
Along with throat pain, you might have:
- a dry, scratchy feeling
- discomfort when swallowing
- mild swelling in the neck glands
- the symptoms of a cold, such as a blocked nose or cough
What causes it
The large majority of sore throats are caused by viral infections — the same viruses that cause colds and flu. Because of this, antibiotics usually will not help. Less commonly, a sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection or by irritants such as smoke or dry air.
How to ease it
Most sore throats get better on their own within about a week. To feel more comfortable in the meantime: rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat cool or soft foods if swallowing is painful. A pharmacist can recommend pain relief, medicated lozenges or throat sprays. Adults may find gargling warm salty water soothing.
When to seek advice
See a pharmacist or GP if your sore throat does not improve after a week, keeps coming back, or comes with a high temperature and feeling generally very unwell. Difficulty breathing or swallowing should always be treated as urgent.
Common questions
- What causes a sore throat?
- Most sore throats are caused by viral infections such as colds and flu. Less often they are caused by bacterial infections such as strep throat, or by other irritants. Because most are viral, antibiotics usually do not help.
- How long does a sore throat last?
- Most sore throats clear up within about a week without any specific treatment. If yours lasts longer than this or keeps returning, it is worth getting it checked.
- How can I soothe a sore throat at home?
- Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and try warm drinks such as honey and lemon (not for babies under one). A pharmacist can suggest pain relief, lozenges or sprays. Gargling with warm salty water can also help adults.
- When do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
- Most do not need antibiotics, as they are usually viral. A clinician may consider them if they suspect a bacterial infection and you are particularly unwell or at higher risk. Always follow professional advice rather than expecting antibiotics by default.