Medically reviewed by Dr Sulaiman Shah, GMC No. 7038832 — The GP Clinic, 124 City Road, London.
Last updated: September 11, 2026
Quick answer: A sore throat is usually caused by a viral infection and clears up within a week on its own. Tonsillitis — inflammation of the tonsils — can be viral or bacterial, and bacterial cases (such as strep throat) usually need antibiotics. See a GP if your sore throat lasts more than 7 days, you have a high fever, or you notice white patches on your tonsils.
A sore throat is one of the most common reasons adults visit a GP in the United Kingdom, accounting for approximately 8 million GP consultations every year. While most sore throats are caused by viral infections and clear up on their own within a week, some develop into tonsillitis, strep throat, or more serious bacterial infections that require prescription treatment to resolve properly.
Knowing the difference between a sore throat that will clear on its own and one that needs medical attention is crucial — and that’s exactly where our online GPs can help.
Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. The most common signs our GPs see include:
Most cases are caused by one of two things:
How it spreads: Both viral and bacterial throat infections are contagious and typically spread through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your nose or mouth. Sharing cups, cutlery, or toothbrushes with someone who’s infected also raises your risk.
Who’s most at risk:
Viral sore throat — the most common type, caused by the same viruses responsible for colds and flu. Antibiotics won’t help; 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 (strep throat). This type causes more severe symptoms, 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,” caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It produces an extremely sore throat, severely swollen lymph nodes, and profound fatigue that can linger for weeks. It’s most common in teenagers and young adults and requires careful medical management — including avoiding contact sports for a period, due to a small risk of spleen complications.
Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) — 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.
| Condition | Key Distinguishing Signs |
|---|---|
| General sore throat | Mild-to-moderate pain, often with a cold; usually clears within a week |
| Tonsillitis | Visibly swollen, red tonsils, sometimes with white patches; pain on swallowing |
| Strep throat | Sudden onset, high fever, pus on tonsils, no cough (a useful distinguishing sign from viral causes) |
| Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) | Severe one-sided pain, difficulty opening the mouth, muffled “hot potato” voice — needs urgent care |
A GP will examine your throat and tonsils for redness, swelling, and white patches, check your temperature, and feel the sides of your neck for swollen lymph nodes. They may also ask about associated symptoms like cough or runny nose, since the presence or absence of a cough helps distinguish viral from bacterial causes. In some cases, a throat swab may be taken to confirm a bacterial infection before prescribing antibiotics.
Most sore throats and cases of tonsillitis resolve without issue, but untreated bacterial infections — particularly strep throat — carry a small risk of more serious complications, including:
This is precisely why completing a full course of prescribed antibiotics matters, even once you start feeling better — stopping early raises the risk of these complications and of the infection returning.
Our doctors carry out a full symptom assessment before recommending the most appropriate treatment for your specific case:
These can ease discomfort but won’t treat a bacterial infection on their own:
You can’t eliminate the risk entirely, but you can meaningfully reduce it:
Book an online GP appointment if:
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. Don’t 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.
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NHS England — Sore Throat Published: October 2023 | Last Reviewed: October 2023
NHS England — Sore Throat Treatment Published: October 2023 | Last Reviewed: October 2023
NICE Guidelines NG84 — Sore Throat (Acute): Antimicrobial Prescribing Published: January 2018 | Last Updated: January 2018
NHS England — Glandular Fever Published: February 2023 | Last Reviewed: February 2023
NHS England — Quinsy (Peritonsillar Abscess) Published: January 2023 | Last Reviewed: January 2023
NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary — Tonsillitis Published: 2021 | Last Reviewed: 2021
NHS Digital — Hospital Admitted Patient Care Activity Published: 2023 | Latest Release: November 2023
A viral sore throat typically clears within 7–10 days. Bacterial tonsillitis symptoms usually improve within a few days of starting antibiotics, though the full course should still be completed.
Tonsillitis itself isn’t contagious, but most of the infections that cause it — colds, flu, and strep throat — are, and spread through coughing, sneezing, and shared utensils.
Yes, if a bacterial infection is likely based on your symptoms, our GPs can prescribe an appropriate course of antibiotics, sent directly to your chosen pharmacy.
A general sore throat is a broader symptom that can come from many causes. Tonsillitis specifically refers to inflammation of the tonsils themselves, visible as swelling and redness, sometimes with white patches.
Bacterial infections like strep throat tend to come on suddenly with high fever and pus on the tonsils, often without a cough. Viral sore throats are more likely to develop alongside a cold, with a runny nose and cough.
No — antibiotics only help bacterial infections. Most sore throats are viral and will clear on their own with rest, fluids, and pain relief.
Most cases resolve without issue, but untreated bacterial tonsillitis carries a small risk of complications including quinsy, rheumatic fever, and kidney inflammation — which is why persistent or severe symptoms should be assessed.
Adults can absolutely get tonsillitis, though it’s considerably more common in children and teenagers aged 5–15.
Removal of the tonsils is generally considered when someone has had 5 or more significant episodes of tonsillitis within 12 months, or when recurring infections are significantly affecting quality of life.
Yes — if your symptoms are severe enough to affect your ability to work, an online GP can issue a fit note during your consultation.
Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) is a pocket of pus forming beside the tonsil, causing severe one-sided pain and difficulty opening the mouth. It requires urgent medical assessment, sometimes involving hospital treatment.
Glandular fever can cause a very sore throat and swollen tonsils similar to tonsillitis, but it’s caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and typically comes with more prolonged, severe fatigue — it needs its own specific management.
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