Most sore throats are caused by viruses and settle within a week with rest, fluids, and simple pain relief. A small number signal a dangerous infection that can block the airway, and these need emergency care.
Go to the emergency room or call your local emergency number if a sore throat comes with difficulty breathing or noisy breathing, an inability to swallow your own saliva, drooling, a muffled or hot-potato voice, severe one-sided throat swelling, neck stiffness or swelling, or if you are leaning forward to breathe. A very high fever with feeling extremely unwell, or a rapidly worsening sore throat, also warrants urgent assessment.
If you have a sore throat with a fine sandpaper rash, persistent high fever, or pus on the tonsils, see a doctor, as some throat infections benefit from antibiotics. For an ordinary sore throat without red flags, a pharmacist or telehealth review is usually sufficient, but any breathing or swallowing difficulty is an emergency.