Student Health Center

Sore Throat

What are the Causes?

A sore throat may result from any of the following:

  • viral infection (i.e. common cold, influenza, mononucleosis)
  • bacterial infection (i.e. strep or other bacterial pathogens)
  • allergies
  • irritation from smoking, excessive loud talking, cough, dry heat in the winter, or other irritants

How is it Diagnosed?

Approximately 10% of sore throats are caused by bacterial infections; 90% of sore throats are the result of viral infections or other causes.  Antibiotic treatment is only effective and necessary for sore throats caused by certain bacteria.  Infections caused by group A streptococcus ("strep throat") are treated with antibiotics to prevent heart and kidney complications.

A rapid test for group A strep may be indicated if a patient has any of the following symptoms:  sore throat, red throat, enlarged, infected-appearing tonsils; fever; swollen, tender lymph nodes; headache; nausea.  If the result of the rapid strep test is negative, a throat culture may be indicated to verify the results of the rapid test and to help identify the cause of the sore throat.  A throat culture sent out to the lab takes 48-72 hours to complete at the lab.  

What is the Treatment?

  •  Drink lots of liquids--either warm liquids (i.e. tea or soup) or cool liquids (i.e., water, non-acidic juices)--depending on what soothes your throat the most.  Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Gargle with a warm salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon or less of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) every 2-4 hours during the day to help soothe the throat and rinse away mucus.
  • Suck on throat lozenges or hard candy.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Avoid smoking, inhaling throat irritants (i.e., second-hand smoke), or using your voice.
  • Pain and fever relief:  Acetaminophen 325 mg, 2 tablets/capsules every 4-6 hours or 3-5 days or ibuprofen 200 mg, 2-3 tablets/capsules every 6 hours with food for 3-5 days.
  • Nasal congetion relief:  A decongestant (such as Sudafed) and saline nasal spray may help decrease mouth-breathing and post-nasal drainage that may contribute to sore throat.

When should I call the Student Health Center or seek immediate medical attention?

  •  If you are unable to swallow or have difficulty breathing and the Health Center is closed, seek medical attention immediately.  Check the SHC website for the urgent care recommendations or call Campus Police at (804) 289-8911.
  • If your symptoms are acutely worse Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30, call the SHC (804) 289-8064.  If after hours, check the SHC website for After Hours Care.
  • If your symptoms have not resolved in 5-7 days, call the SHC front desk (804) 289-8064 to schedule an appointment with the doctor.  If you have questions/concerns about your symptoms, call the SHC Dial-A-Nurse (804) 289-8700.