Sore throat: when antibiotics do and do not help
Most sore throats are viral. Here is what that means for treatment.
When to get emergency care
- Call 112 if you cannot swallow your own spit, or if your breathing is noisy.
Get emergency help or call 112.
Guide
Most sore throats come from a virus. Antibiotics do not help a virus. They can still cause side effects. Warm drinks and simple pain relief often help. Get care if you cannot swallow fluids. Get care if you have drooling or a muffled voice.