Viruses like a cold or flu cause most sore throats and typically go away on their own.
Group A streptheStreptococcusbacterium that causes strep throatis the most common bacterial cause of sore throat.
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My Throat Hurts When Swallowing: Why?
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It is essential to take the antibiotic as directed until it’s gone, even if you feel better.
However, antibiotics are ineffective treatment for sore throats because of viral infections.
A provider may recommend the following interventions:
Should I Go to the ER or Urgent Care?
Most sore throats are due to a viral infection and usually resolve independently within five to seven days.
Wolford RW, Goyal A, Belgam Syed SY, et al.Pharyngitis.
[Updated 2023 May 1].
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519550/
Ashurst JV, Edgerley-Gibb L.Streptococcal pharyngitis.
[Updated 2023 May 1].
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525997/
National Health Service.Sore throat.
Harvard Health.Sore throat (pharyngitis).
National Library of Medicine.Pharyngitis.
American College of Emergency Physicians.Emergency care vs. urgent care: what’s the difference?
