Sore throat
A sore throat (also called pharyngitis) is pain or scratchiness in the throat, usually caused by a viral infection. Read more about sore throat →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the ent wait (not specific to sore throat), updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
ent waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 4 weeks |
| Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | Cheshire West and Chester | 7 weeks |
| United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust | Lincoln | 7 weeks |
| Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust | Wiltshire | 8 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 9 weeks |
| Stockport NHS Foundation Trust | Stockport | 9 weeks |
| Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | Barnsley | 10 weeks |
| Isle of Wight NHS Trust | Isle of Wight | 10 weeks |
About sore throat
A sore throat is pain or scratchiness in the throat, usually caused by a viral infection such as a cold, and sometimes by a bacterial infection, acid reflux or irritation. It often comes with a cough, blocked nose or mild fever and usually clears up within about a week. A sore throat that keeps coming back or lasts a long time can be looked into further.
How it is treated
Most sore throats need no specific treatment and get better on their own. Pain relief, warm drinks and throat lozenges ease the symptoms. Antibiotics are only used when a bacterial infection is likely, as they do not help a viral one. Where sore throats are frequent and severe, usually from repeated tonsillitis, an ENT specialist may discuss whether removing the tonsils would help.
After treatment
A sore throat from a common infection usually settles within a week or so. Resting, keeping hydrated and easing the symptoms is generally all that is needed; see your GP if it is severe, lasts longer than expected, or keeps returning.
Sources: NHS: Sore throat. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.