A sore throat is one of the most common complaints in primary care settings. According to research from the UK Health Security Agency, only about one in ten people with a sore throat seek medical consultation—but among those who do, over half receive an antibiotic prescription even though many sore throats are viral and do not benefit from antibiotics.
Knowing when a sore throat truly requires antibiotics is essential—not just for your recovery, but also to help curb antibiotic resistance and avoid unnecessary side effects.
In this article, we’ll explain how to tell viral and bacterial sore throats apart, when antibiotics may be needed, which sore throat treatments offer relief, and how to manage this issue in the UK.
What Are the Main Causes of a Sore Throat?
Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. These usually improve on their own within a week. However, some sore throats are bacterial, often linked to Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as strep throat.
Viral Sore Throat Causes
Viral infections can result from:
- The common cold
- Influenza (flu)
- COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses
Antibiotics will not help with viral infections, as they only work against bacteria.
Bacterial Sore Throat Causes
When bacteria are involved, antibiotics may be necessary. The most common bacterial infection is strep throat, which can cause more severe symptoms and complications if untreated.
How Can You Tell If a Sore Throat Is Caused by Strep?
While only a throat swab can confirm a bacterial infection, there are some typical signs and symptoms of strep throat that differ from viral causes.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat in Adults
You may have strep throat if you notice:
- Sudden, severe sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils with white patches
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever without cough or runny nose
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s best to speak with one of our pharmacists. They can assess your condition and advise whether sore throat antibiotics are appropriate.
When Do You Actually Need Antibiotics for a Sore Throat?
Antibiotics are prescribed only when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected. Unnecessary antibiotic use can make future infections harder to treat due to resistance.
When Antibiotics Are Needed
You may need antibiotics if you have:
- Confirmed strep throat
- Symptoms lasting longer than a week without improvement
- High fever or pus on the tonsils
- A weakened immune system
When Antibiotics Are Not Needed
If your sore throat is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help. Instead, focus on rest, hydration, and symptom relief. Using antibiotics for viral infections can cause side effects such as stomach upset and increase antibiotic resistance.
What Are the Best Ways to Relieve a Sore Throat in the UK?
Even without antibiotics, many treatments can help ease discomfort and promote recovery.
Sore Throat Relief Tips
- Gargle warm salt water several times a day.
- Stay hydrated and drink warm liquids like tea with honey.
- Use lozenges or throat sprays for temporary relief.
- Rest your voice and get plenty of sleep.
Pharmacy Treatments
Our pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter sore throat treatments such as:
- Pain relief medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Medicated lozenges to reduce inflammation
- Antiseptic sprays or mouth rinses
If symptoms persist, we may suggest a quick strep test or conduct further assessment.
How to Prevent Future Sore Throat Infections
A few simple habits can reduce your risk of getting sore throats frequently:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Keep hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene.
- Avoid smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke.
These habits support throat health and lower your chance of needing antibiotics in the future.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
While most sore throats improve within a few days, you should get checked if you experience:
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Persistent high fever
- Severe pain or swelling on one side of the throat
- Recurrent sore throats or enlarged tonsils
Our pharmacists can assess your symptoms and guide you on the best next steps, including whether you may need sore throat antibiotics or further medical evaluation.
Get Expert Advice for Sore Throat Treatment in the UK
Understanding when antibiotics are truly needed and when simple sore throat remedies will do can make recovery quicker and safer while helping protect antibiotic effectiveness for the future.
If you’re struggling with a persistent sore throat, we can help. Book your appointment with our experts at Touchwood Pharmacy for sore throat treatment, personalised advice, and fast sore throat relief options available in the UK.
FAQs
How do I know if my sore throat needs antibiotics?
You may need antibiotics if your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. Signs include severe pain, white patches on the tonsils, swollen glands, and a high temperature without a cough. If symptoms persist beyond a week or worsen, our pharmacists can assess whether antibiotics are appropriate.
Can a sore throat get better without antibiotics?
Yes. Most sore throats are viral and clear up on their own within 7–10 days. Rest, fluids, warm saltwater gargles, and throat lozenges can help ease discomfort. Antibiotics are not needed unless a bacterial infection is confirmed.
What happens if I take antibiotics for a sore throat that isn’t bacterial?
Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can cause side effects such as diarrhoea and upset stomach and contribute to antibiotic resistance. This makes future bacterial infections harder to treat, so antibiotics should only be used when advised by a qualified pharmacist or prescriber.
Are there over-the-counter treatments for sore throat relief?
Yes. You can use medicated throat lozenges, painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, and antiseptic sprays to soothe the throat. Our pharmacists can recommend suitable sore throat treatments depending on your symptoms and overall health.
What are the signs and symptoms of strep throat I should look out for?
Strep throat symptoms often include a sudden, severe sore throat, red or white patches on the tonsils, fever, swollen glands, and difficulty swallowing. Unlike viral infections, strep throat usually does not cause a cough or runny nose.
When should I see a pharmacist about a sore throat?
If your sore throat lasts longer than a week, comes with a high fever, or makes swallowing painful, it’s time to get checked. Our pharmacists can offer a rapid strep test, recommend suitable treatments, and guide you on whether sore throat antibiotics are needed.
