Sore throat
A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is normally a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, such as the common cold. In around a third of cases, no cause for the sore throat can be found.
Most sore throats are not serious and pass within three to seven days without the need for medical treatment.
If you have a sore throat, it is usually not necessary to see your doctor, unless your symptoms do not improve after two weeks. If you do need medical help contact your GP practice or Derby Walk in Centre.
Sore throats are not usually treated by antibiotics. The NHS Choices website has information on how best to treat a sore throat.
