Most sore throats, while uncomfortable, are short-lived and will usually resolve within a week. Much like any minor condition, there is much that sufferers can do themselves to relieve their symptoms. And there are many OTC products available that may also help.
Important
Antibiotics are sometimes hailed as the solution for a sore throat, but given that the vast majority of cases are caused by viral infections, this is rarely the case. They do have a place in the management of individuals who are at increased risk of developing a severe infection, such as those on immunosuppressant medication, or people who suffer recurrent infections that are believed to be caused by Streptococcus bacteria. In some situations, a “delayed prescription” may be provided, whereby an individual is advised to wait a few days and only get the antibiotics dispensed if their symptoms worsen or do not improve. This approach has been shown to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use – and therefore help prevent resistance – while providing similar benefits to an immediate supply of the drug.