Call 911 right away if:
- Trouble breathing
- Can’t swallow, or a child is drooling much more than usual because they can’t swallow
- Can’t open the mouth fully, or there is swelling in the neck or face
Virus or strep?
- Viruses (like colds and flu) cause most sore throats. A cough, runny nose, or hoarse voice usually points to a virus. Antibiotics won’t help.
- Strep throat is caused by bacteria and is most common in children 5 to 15. It often starts suddenly with throat pain, pain when swallowing, and fever, without a cough. A quick test at a clinic can tell. If it’s strep, antibiotics help you get better and prevent rare but serious problems. Take them for as long as prescribed.
What to do
- Drink plenty of fluids. Warm drinks like tea with honey (not for babies under 1) or broth, or cold treats like ice pops, can soothe your throat.
- Gargle with warm salt water (about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water). Adults and older children only.
- Suck on lozenges or hard candy. Don’t give these to young children — they can choke.
- Use a humidifier or breathe in steam from a shower.
- Rest your voice.
- Ease pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Follow the package directions. Don’t give aspirin to children or teens.
Prevention
Wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, don’t share cups or utensils, and stay home while sick. If you have strep, ask your doctor when it’s OK to go back to school or work after starting antibiotics.
See a doctor or go to urgent care if:
- A bad sore throat lasts longer than a week, or sore throats keep coming back
- A sore throat comes on suddenly with fever and no cough, or you see white patches or pus on the tonsils (possible strep throat)
- Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C), a rash, earache, joint pain, or blood in saliva or mucus
- A lump in the neck, or hoarseness that lasts more than 2 weeks
- A child’s sore throat doesn’t go away after their first drink in the morning