Sore Throat & Tonsillitis — Fast Diagnosis & Same Day Treatment

Symptoms can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause. The most common signs our GPs see include:

• Painful, scratchy or raw throat — worsening when swallowing or speaking
• Swollen, red tonsils — sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
• Difficulty swallowing — even liquids can become painful in severe cases
• Swollen lymph nodes — tender lumps on either side of the neck
• High temperature or fever — above 38°C, particularly in bacterial infections
• Hoarse or muffled voice — caused by inflammation around the vocal cords
• Headache and earache — pain that radiates from the throat upward
• Bad breath — caused by bacterial infection in the tonsils
• Fatigue and body aches — your immune system is working hard to fight the infection

Viral Sore Throat: The most common type, usually caused by the same viruses responsible for colds and flu. Antibiotics will not help a viral sore throat — treatment focuses on rest, hydration, and appropriate pain relief. Most viral sore throats clear within 7 to 10 days.

Bacterial Tonsillitis Caused by bacteria — most commonly Group A Streptococcus, known as strep throat. This type causes more severe symptoms,s including high fever, pus on the tonsils, and significant difficulty swallowing. A course of antibiotics is usually required and highly effective.

Glandular Fever Also known as the kissing disease, glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and produces an extremely sore throat, severely swollen lymph nodes, and profound fatigue. It is most common in teenagers and young adults and requires careful medical management.

Peritonsillar Abscess A serious complication of untreated tonsillitis where a pocket of pus forms beside the tonsil. Symptoms include severe one-sided throat pain, difficulty opening the mouth, and a muffled voice. This requires urgent medical treatment and possible hospital referral.

You should book an online GP appointment if:

• Your sore throat has lasted longer than 7 days
• You have a temperature above 38°C
• You can see white patches or pus on your tonsils
• Swallowing has become extremely painful or difficult
• You have swollen lymph nodes in your neck
• Your symptoms keep coming back throughout the year
• You have had 5 or more tonsillitis episodes in the past 12 months
• You are immunocompromised or have an underlying health condition

Our doctors will carry out a full symptom assessment before recommending the most appropriate treatment for your specific case:

✓ Prescribe a targeted course of antibiotics for confirmed bacterial tonsillitis or strep throat

✓ Advise on safe and effective pain relief, including ibuprofen and paracetamol

✓ Recommend throat sprays, lozenges, and gargling techniques for symptomatic relief

✓ Investigate and manage recurrent tonsillitis with appropriate specialist referral

✓ Refer you to an ENT specialist to discuss tonsillectomy if episodes are frequent

✓ Issue a fit note if your tonsillitis is severe enough to keep you off work

Tonsillitis alone accounts for over 60,000 tonsillectomy operations performed in the UK every year — making it one of the most common surgical procedures in the country. Do not let a recurring sore throat reach that point without first speaking to a doctor. Our online GPs are available 7 days a week — get diagnosed, get your prescription, and start feeling better today.

Book an Online GP Appointment — Same Day Slots Available