Overview
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat. It causes pain on swallowing, redness and often a fever.
- Most cases are viral and pass on their own within a week.
- A smaller share is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus — most often in school-age children (5–15 years).
How to tell them apart
More suggestive of a virus: cough, runny nose, hoarse voice, red eyes (conjunctivitis), mouth ulcers.
More suggestive of streptococcus: sudden onset, high fever, swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck, absence of cough.
White patches on the tonsils do not prove a bacterial infection — some viruses cause them too. Examination alone cannot reliably tell streptococcus from a virus.
Diagnosis
When streptococcus is suspected, the doctor may order:
- the rapid antigen test from the throat (result within minutes)
- a throat culture
In children over 3 years, a negative rapid test is usually confirmed with a culture; in adults this is usually not needed.
ASO (antistreptolysin O) is not a test for acute pharyngitis — it shows a past infection.
Treatment
Viral pharyngitis
It is not treated with antibiotics — they do not work on viruses and only cause side effects and resistance.
- warm fluids, rest
- paracetamol or ibuprofen, depending on age and contraindications
- salt-water gargles, throat lozenges in adults
- aspirin is not given to children during viral illnesses
Streptococcal pharyngitis
It is treated with a prescription antibiotic — usually penicillin or amoxicillin. Allergies change the choice. Take it to the end (usually 10 days), even if you feel well after 2–3 days.
Do not use leftover antibiotics from another illness.
How to limit spread
- Wash your hands often, do not share cups and spoons, cover your cough.
- In streptococcal infection, return to school or work when there is no fever and at least 12–24 hours have passed since the antibiotic was started.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if the sore throat lasts more than a week, gets worse, comes with a high fever that does not come down, or keeps coming back.
Key sources
This information is educational and does not replace a visit to the doctor. Do not change your treatment without consulting your doctor. Updated: October 2026.