Sore throat symptoms: Antibiotics may not help always, here's how to heal it faster

Most viral sore throat cases, experts say, clear up in about a week's time with rest, plenty of fluids, and simple home care (Image: Pexels)

As the weather changes, do you experience scratchy, painful throat that makes swallowing a chore and sends you running to bed with tea or honey? Most sore throats aren’t strep throat. They’re caused by viruses, the same bugs behind the common cold and flu.

Symptoms of viral sore throat include runny nose, cough, or a hoarse voice. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotics are not required to cure these symptoms, as antibiotics only work against bacteria, not virus.

The CDC suggests that most viral sore throat cases clear up in about a week's time with rest, plenty of fluids, and simple home care. Additionally, good hygiene like washing hands often, and covering coughs can help stop the spread.

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Studies show that antibiotics are needed only in a small fraction of sore throat cases. Tools like the Centor score can help doctors check for strep, but viral infections are still often mistaken for bacterial ones, driving unnecessary antibiotic use and fuelling antibiotic resistance.

10 things to know about sore throats and antibiotics use:

1. Viruses cause most cases: Roughly 70–95 percent of sore throats are caused by viruses. Group A strep is a minority, but still important when present.

2. Strep is less common: Only about 5–15 percent of adult throat infections come from streptococcus bacteria. Antibiotics help then, but not otherwise.

3. Identify viral clues: Cough, runny nose, hoarseness or pink eye are symptoms of a viral cause, not strep, and antibiotics won’t help.

4. Strep shows different signs: High fever, red swollen tonsils and absent cough suggest strep throat. But only testing confirms it.

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5. Tests help diagnose: Rapid tests or throat cultures are the gold standard to confirm strep throat, but they’re not always needed unless symptoms are severe.

6. Antibiotics aren’t auto-remedy: Using antibiotics without bacterial confirmation can fuel resistance and affect your good bacteria, making future treatments tricky

7. Most clear up in a week: Even without treatment, most sore throats improve within seven days, especially when caused by viruses.

8. Soothe symptoms at home: Warm drinks, paracetamol or ibuprofen, and rest are your best mates until symptoms fade, hold off the pills unless needed.

9. Hygiene stops spread: Wash your hands, avoid close contact with flair‑ups, and steer clear of smoking or smoke, simple steps that cut spread.

10. Don’t share germs: Avoid sharing utensils or cups. Stay home if you’re feeling ill, and cover coughs to protect others.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.