A typical sore throat from a virus lasts about a week (3-10 days), but it can persist longer depending on the cause, with some lingering for weeks or even months if chronic (like from reflux, smoking, or conditions like mononucleosis), requiring medical attention if it lasts over a week or worsens.
Most sore throat symptoms go away with home care within a few days. But you should contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than a week, gets worse or you develop symptoms like a fever or swollen lymph nodes.
Sore Throats in Babies: Spot the Signs and Speed Up Relief
Chronic pharyngitis is a sore throat that lasts longer than 10 days or keeps coming back. Infections, allergies and toxins in your environment can cause it. Treatments include medications and home remedies. You should tell your healthcare provider if you have a persistent sore throat.
Treatment for strep throat during pregnancy typically involves antibiotics, which are safe for both you and your baby when prescribed by a healthcare provider. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalexin, and are considered safe during pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:
If you have a sore throat with a fever you should check in with your doctor. Your doctor will give you a “strep test” (culture collected by a swab to the tonsils) to determine if it is a strep infection.
Sore Throat Lasting More Than Two Weeks
If your sore throat lingers beyond two weeks, it's time to see an ENT. While viral infections usually resolve within days, ongoing throat pain may indicate: Chronic sinus drainage irritating the throat. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
See your doctor as soon as possible if your child's sore throat lasts longer than one week or is accompanied by:
See your doctor as soon as possible if your sore throat lasts longer than one week or is accompanied by: Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Hoarse voice for more than one week. Pus on the back of your throat.
Strep throat is typically a mild condition, but the infection can be very painful. Your sore throat may be severe and very uncomfortable. The lymph nodes in your neck may be very tender and swollen. You may have pain when swallowing.
When to go to urgent care for a sore throat
How to treat a sore throat yourself
Usually, a sore throat caused by a virus goes away on its own in 5 to 7 days and doesn't need treatment. Antibiotics don't treat a virus. To ease pain and fever, many people use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers.
Viral illnesses that can cause sore throat that may be mistaken for strep throat include:
What Are Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat?
Chronic Pharyngitis
This condition can occur for several reasons, including: Infections: Bacterial or viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis), can lead to a persistent sore throat. These infections often cause other symptoms, like swollen lymph nodes and fever.
According to several studies, in the first 3 months of pregnancy, women are susceptible to tonsillitis due to excessive hormonal changes. The disease weakens the mother's body's resistance, creating favorable conditions for viruses and bacteria to invade and cause disease.
Eustachian tube dysfunction may be due to patulous tube during pregnancy when there is inadequate weight gain. They present most often during the 3rd trimester with symptoms of intermittent autophony, and roaring which gets worse with decongestants and upright position.
Symptoms of early pregnancy include missed periods, nausea and vomiting, breast changes, tiredness and frequent urination. Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other factors such as stress or illness. If you suspect you may be pregnant, see your doctor.