Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) Follow-Up Guide

Understanding Sore Throats

What is it? A sore throat is caused either by a virus or bacteria. Viruses need supportive care for symptoms and resolve on their own as the body’s immune system fights it off. Bacterial causes such as strep throat need antibiotic treatment. 

Common Types

  • Viral Sore Throat: A virus can cause a sore throat accompanied by a fever and sometimes a headache, body ache, upset stomach or congestion. Some specific viruses that cause sore throats but also have other specific symptoms include: 
Sore throat causes.
  • Strep Pharyngitis: A bacterial infection that is diagnosed with a rapid strep test or throat culture and is treated with Amoxicillin. 

When to Manage at Home

✅ You can manage your child's sore throat at home when:

  • They are still drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated
  • They have urinated in the last 8 hours 
  • Your child does not have visible swelling to either side of their neck
  • Your child is able to open their mouth fully and is speaking normally
  • Your child has not had a fever longer than a full 72 hours without seeing or talking to a medical provider 

How to Treat at Home 

 🏠 Home remedies for sore throats:

  • Warm Salt Water Gargles: Gargle at least three times a day or more for best relief!
  • Food Choices: liquids are most important, cool liquids or popsicles or yogurt/applesauce might feel best. Avoid spicy or citrus foods if they are irritating to the throat 

💊 Safe Medications

  • For children 3 months of age and older: 
    • Acetaminophen: dosing guideline or as per your medical provider every 4-6 hours
  • For children 6 months of age and older: 
    • Ibuprofen: dosing guideline or as per your medical provider every 6 hours
  • AVOID: Aspirin and throat sprays 

When to Contact Us Again 

📱 Contact us when:

  • A sore throat is persisting or getting worse after 3 days
  • Symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop
  • You're concerned about low oral intake 
  • You're just not sure and need reassurance

When to Visit Your Pediatrician 

🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:

  • You suspect your child may have strep throat and need a test 
  • A fever does not resolve on its own in 72 hours or after 48 hours on antibiotics and symptoms are the same or worse 
  • Visible swelling to one side of neck or face only 

When to Go to the ER

🚨 Seek immediate emergency care for a sore throat if your child is: 

  • Lethargic, won't drink, and has no urine output in over 8 hours 
  • Drooling and unable to swallow at all 
  • Unable to move their neck normally 

If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.

Need more support? Help is just a text message away.