Sore Throat: Signs and symptoms
Recognising a sore throat
A sore throat is a common symptom of the flu,1,2 so it helps to know how to recognise when a patient is suffering from this condition.
Signs and symptoms
A sore throat is part of the body’s immune response to a viral infection such as the flu.3 Patients suffering from a sore throat may report:
- Difficulty or pain on swallowing.
- The sensation of a swollen throat.4
- Pain, or a scratchy sensation, in the throat.
- Sore, swollen glands around the neck or jaw.
- Swollen, red tonsils.
- A hoarse or croaky voice.5
-
Questions to ask your patient
![Female clinician]()
Ask your patient5:
- Are there symptoms present other than a sore throat?
- Is there a fever present, and if so, what has your temperature been?
- Has there been difficulty breathing?
- What seems to exacerbate or relieve the sore throat?
- Is the sore throat a recurring problem?
-
When to refer your patient for further care
![Woman coughing]()
The patient should be referred to a doctor for further assessment and management if any of the following is reported5:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Significant difficulty swallowing.
- Difficulty opening the mouth.
- Joint pain.
- Earache.
- Rash.
- Fever higher than 38°C.
- Frequently recurring sore throats.
- Lump in the neck.
- Hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks.
- Swelling in the neck or face.
- Unusual drooling in young children, which may indicate an inability to swallow.
Understanding sore throat
Patient care resources
Access a leaflet for your patients, which can help them understand the causes of a sore throat and how best to treat it.
