The large majority of sore throats are caused by viruses and improve on their own within about a week. For these, antibiotics do not help and may cause side effects.
A minority are caused by bacteria, most commonly group A streptococcus (strep throat), which a clinician may treat with antibiotics, sometimes after a swab or scoring your symptoms. Signs that raise suspicion include fever, swollen tonsils with pus, tender neck glands, and absence of a cough.
Soothing measures like warm drinks, lozenges, and pain relief usually help. Seek urgent care if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, a muffled voice, or severe one-sided swelling.