Sore Throat Treatment
Consult an AHPRA-licensed medical practitioner online within 15 minutes and get medical advice about sore throats, 24/7.
About sore throat

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC
When to consult a doctor for sore throat?
Mild sore throats usually resolve on their own or with the help of home remedies. But if the sore throat persists for more than 2 days and is not getting better, it is important to see a doctor and get a diagnosis. Consult a doctor if:
- Persistent sore throat that lasts for more than a week
- If you have high fever or chills
- If you have trouble opening your mouth, swallowing and speaking
- If you have white patches, pus or rash on your tonsils
- If you have swollen lymph nodes particularly with fever
- If have difficulty breathing
- If you have recurring or frequent sore throats
What are common causes of sore throat?
This is caused by various factors such as:
- Viral infections: Viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19
- Bacterial infections: Strep throat caused by Streptococcus bacteria, can also lead to a sore throat.
- Allergies: Allergies to pollen, dust, mould, or pet dander can cause throat irritation
- Irritants: Smoking, passive smoking, pollution, and chemical fumes can irritate the throat
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD): GORD occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, leading to a sore, scratchy throat
- Dry air, strain or overuse of throat
What are the symptoms of sore throat?
There are many symptoms of sore throat depending on its severity and the cause. Usually, a sore throat comes with pain and a scratchy throat which makes it difficult to swallow and talk. Here are some common symptoms of sore throat:
- Pain or scratchiness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Red, swollen throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Hoarseness
- Fever and chills
- White patches or pus on tonsils
- Ear pain
What are some soothing home remedies for sore throats in infants and children?
It is distressing to see your child suffer with a sore throat. Here are some soothing home remedies for sore throats in infants and children:
- Use a humidifier
- Saltwater gargle for older children
- Honey and lemon
- Soothing herbal teas
How do I know if my sore throat is viral or bacterial?
It is tough to understand what type of sore throat you have. Viral sore throats usually come with other cold symptoms, like a runny nose or cough, while bacterial sore throats (like strept tonsillitis) are often more painful, come with a fever, and may have white spots on the tonsils. It is essential to speak with a doctor to understand whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial.
What are some home remedies for sore throats in adults?
Some effective home remedies for sore throats in adults include gargling with salt water, staying hydrated, drinking warm teas with honey, using a humidifier, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Can I get instant scripts online for sore throats?
Can an online doctor help me with sore throats if a GP near me is unavailable?
Can I get a doctor’s certificate for sore throat?
Yes, you can get a doctor’s certificate for sore throat through reputed telehealth platforms such as Hola Health. Get an online medical certificate 24/7 and within 15 minutes from the comfort of your home.
How can we help?
Hola Health is a trusted telehealth service in Australia, providing fast, reliable access to qualified doctors online. We offer a range of convenient telehealth services, including online medical certificates, instant prescriptions online, GP referrals, and after-hours telehealth consultations with AHPRA-accredited doctors.
Here’s what you can access with Hola Health’s telehealth platform:
- Book a telehealth appointment online 24/7 in Australia and connect with an AHPRA-accredited online doctor for medical advice on common health conditions.
- Request a medical certificate online for work or school absences, including carer’s certificates and multi-day medical certificates.
- Request instant scripts online and have them sent to your phone.
- Receive online GP referrals for specialists, blood tests, pathology, and radiology referrals without visiting a clinic.
- Access fully bulk-billed online mental health care plans from the comfort of your home.
Talk to a doctor today
Instantly connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:
- General consults
- New & repeat scripts
- Referrals
- Medical certificates
- Mental health plans
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