Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Sore throat

A sore throat is often caused by a virus and usually clears up on its own. However, watch for difficulty breathing, drooling, inability to swallow, dehydration, a muffled voice, a uvula pulled to one side or marked swelling on one side of the throat. These may indicate a more serious infection or an abscess. Rest, fluids and soft food often help, but a doctor needs to assess warning signs promptly.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

  • A sore throat is often caused by a virus and usually disappears within a few days to a week.
  • Not every throat infection needs antibiotics. Severity depends mainly on swallowing, drinking, breathing and your general condition.
  • Drooling, inability to swallow, difficulty breathing, a muffled voice, one-sided swelling and dehydration are reasons to seek medical help promptly.
  • A throat abscess can start as an ordinary sore throat and then worsen quickly.
  • Outside office hours, call HAP 9252 for urgent GP care. Call 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
A
A child with feverFever in a child is often caused by a virus and usually clears up on its own. However, it can also indicate a more serious infection, especially in very young children, unusually drowsy children or those drinking little. Bo Dòkter advises a low threshold for medical assessment in children under 3 years; babies and children with warning signs need prompt assessment.
S
Swollen eyes or lipsSwollen eyelids or lips may result from irritation, infection, allergy or angioedema. Swelling is often harmless but can be dangerous if the tongue or throat is involved, or breathing, voice, swallowing or consciousness changes. These signs require immediate help.
H
Hand, foot and mouth diseaseHand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that mainly affects young children. It often starts with a fever, sore throat or loss of appetite, followed by painful mouth ulcers and blisters or spots on the hands and feet. The illness usually clears up on its own, but a sore mouth can make drinking difficult. Watch closely for dehydration, unusual drowsiness and difficulty breathing.