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Short answer Viral or strep? Going to class What helps a sore throat Dorm tips When should I get checked by a doctor? Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesYou can usually go to class with a mild sore throat and no fever, but a severe sore throat with fever and swollen glands and no cough should be tested for strep.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and clear in a week. Strep needs antibiotics, so testing matters.
Viral or strep?
- Viral: sore throat with runny nose, cough, hoarse voice, and often a mild fever
- Strep: sudden, painful sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, white patches on the tonsils, and usually no cough
Only a test can tell them apart. See strep without a fever.
Going to class
- Mild and no fever: usually fine to go
- Fever or pain that makes it hard to swallow: stay home and get tested
- If you test positive for strep, wait until you have been on antibiotics for 12 to 24 hours and your fever is gone
What helps a sore throat
- Warm tea with honey (adults)
- Salt water gargle
- Cold drinks or ice pops
- Throat lozenges, for adults
- Over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the label
- A humidifier at night
Dorm tips
- Do not share drinks, utensils or lip balm
- Wash hands often
- Use your own towels
When should I get checked by a doctor?
- Sore throat longer than a week
- Fever of 101 F or higher
- Swollen glands and white patches
- Trouble swallowing or opening your mouth
- A rash
Go to the ER for trouble breathing, drooling or being unable to swallow your saliva, or a muffled voice. Call 911 if severe.
If you are not sure what you have, our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health.
Common questions from students
Should I get a strep test for every sore throat? No. Test if you have the strep signs above or if the pain is severe.
Can I use a home strep test? They are less reliable than a clinic test. See home strep tests.
Is it a cold or strep? A cough and runny nose point to a cold.
Does honey help? It can soothe the throat in adults.
Do I need antibiotics? Only for strep or another bacterial cause.
Common questions
Can I go to class with a sore throat?
You can usually go to class with a mild sore throat and no fever, but a severe sore throat with fever and swollen glands and no cough should be tested for strep. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and clear in a week. Strep needs antibiotics, so testing matters.
Should I get a strep test for every sore throat?
No. Test if you have the strep signs above or if the pain is severe.
Can I use a home strep test?
They are less reliable than a clinic test. See home strep tests.
Is it a cold or strep?
A cough and runny nose point to a cold.
Does honey help?
It can soothe the throat in adults.
Do I need antibiotics?
Only for strep or another bacterial cause.