Sore throat

Sore throat: what to do.

A sore throat can come from a virus, strep bacteria, allergies, or dry air. The treatment (and whether you need antibiotics) depends on the cause — and testing is the fastest way to find out.

Quick answer

Most sore throats are viral and clear on their own. If it's paired with fever, swollen glands, or white patches on the tonsils, walk in — we run a rapid strep test on-site with results in about 10 minutes.

Medically reviewed by Iftikhar Sandhu, PA-C

Content last reviewed on July 2, 2026 · Reflects current clinical practice at Quick Urgent Care

Common causes

What's usually behind sore throat?

Viral pharyngitis (most common)
Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)
Mono (mononucleosis)
Tonsillitis
Post-nasal drip from allergies or sinusitis
Acid reflux (GERD)
Dry air / dehydration

Go to the ER if

Emergency signs

! Difficulty swallowing your own saliva (drooling)
! Severe difficulty breathing
! Muffled 'hot potato' voice
! Severe neck swelling
! High fever with severe headache and stiff neck

FAQ

Common questions.

How do I know if my sore throat is strep?+

Strep typically causes a sudden severe sore throat with fever, swollen glands, and white patches on the tonsils — usually without a cough or runny nose. A rapid strep test is the only way to know for sure, and we do it in-clinic in about 10 minutes.

Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?+

Only if it's strep or another bacterial cause. Antibiotics don't help viral sore throats and can cause side effects. We test first, then prescribe if needed.

How long does a sore throat last?+

Viral sore throats usually improve in 3–5 days. Strep improves within 24–48 hours of starting antibiotics. Symptoms lasting more than a week deserve evaluation.

Related services