Sore throat
A sore throat may come with a cold or another infection. A throat photo cannot reliably distinguish strep throat from a viral illness.
Common symptoms
- Scratchy or irritated throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Dry throat
- Sometimes, a cough
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Sometimes, a fever
A useful care conversation
Share the duration, fever, cough, exposures and whether you can swallow fluids. A clinician can discuss comfort measures and whether a strep test is appropriate. If testing confirms strep, antibiotics may be recommended. They do not treat viral sore throats.
When to seek more care
- Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty or inability to swallow saliva.
- Arrange prompt assessment for severe pain, dehydration or worsening symptoms.
General educational information, not a diagnosis or a complete symptom checker. The right care depends on your circumstances.
For an emergency, call 911. Do not wait for a Tap reply or send a photo first.
About this information
Adapted from Tap’s published care-topic library. Original publication: 2025-01-01. Prepared for this guide: 2026-09-07. Preparation is not a clinical-review certification.
The clinician decides whether advice, testing, an examination or a prescription is appropriate. A listed topic does not guarantee remote treatment or a refill. Tap does not prescribe controlled substances.