Question 1

how long should a sore throat last?

Accepted Answer

Less than a week: Viral sorethoats usually last only 3-5 days at most. Strep throat can last longer without treatment. Should get checked for strep if fever >3 days, body aches, white spots on tonsils, tender glands in neck. Mononucleosis and sorethroat from allergies or acid reflux can last much longer. Should probably get any sorethroat that lasts longer than 10 days checked out.

Question 2

i've had sore throat pain since thursday, & its sunday now.ive taken advil (ibuprofen) a few times.. how long should a sore throat last? what can i do to stop it?

Accepted Answer

Sore thorat: Uncomplicated viral sore throat (which most are) usually last 7-10 days.  Use pain reliever for the pain, sore throat lozenges can help as well.  Best of luck  Dr R

Question 3

i tested positive for strep on feb 6th. i still have a pain in my throat. can strep last longer than a week?

sore throat/strep throat for over a week

Accepted Answer

Doctor can recheck: Throat pain can be from strep throat infection (antibiotics are needed), a cold or influenza (antibiotics usually not used), or from some other cause such as allergies, irritants, or acid reflux. Usually, a person sees a doctor if the sore throat is bothersome, recurrent, or doesn't go away quickly. If treatment for strep throat is not resolving the issue, one's doctor can recheck the problem.

Question 4

have had a sore throat for three days, not too bad, but my cough drops say i should see a doctor if it lasts longer than two days. is that true?

Accepted Answer

It's true.: If it says so on the label it must be true! As a doctor I can't say that makes much sense - most sore throats are viral and do last more than three days.  If it is progressively worsening or is associated with serious side effects see your doc. Otherwise take the lozenges

Question 5

had bronchitis. cough, phlegm, sore throat, achy, no fever. no longer feel sick, sore throat gone, cough and phlegm still there. how long does the cough and phlegm last after feeling better?
thanks?

Accepted Answer

2-3 weeks: If you have a recurring fever, difficulty breathing or increased phlegm production, please see your PCP. Most bronchitic infections are viral.
For prolonged symptoms, a chest radiograph is suggested.

Question 6

how could i possibly have gotten a sore throat right after kissing someone thats lasted for 2 months. there were white spots and theres been some green mucus. isnt the incubation period for anything longer than getting symptoms right afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Happens often: Sore throats are common (everybody gets them). Kisses are common (everybody gets them). Therefore, it is highly likely that at one time or another a person will get sore throat symptoms just before kissing, during kissing, or just after kissing. After all, there are only 365 days in a year, and two things often can happen on the same day.

Question 7

i'd oral sex with a hiv nagative men,after a day i'd sore throat white tongue low fever last longer a week am infected hiv?or any other sexual diease?

Accepted Answer

STD: Other sexually transmitted disease  such as Gonorrhea can cause fever and sore throat. See your primary care doctor.

Question 8

how to combat cold before it lasts longer? natural remedies pls help. i can feel a cold starting up.symptoms:headache, runny nose,sneezing sore throat

Accepted Answer

URI: Make sure you have enough sleep and rest to boost your immune system. Good hydration, see you doctor if symptoms persists!

Question 9

on average, how long will a sore throat last?

Accepted Answer

That depends: Depends on the cause. Usually sore throat from an infection lasts a few days to a week.

Question 10

how long should sore throat last if it's viral

Accepted Answer

5-7 days: 5-7 days. If it lasts longer, see ENT doc; it may be bacterial and require antibiotics.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

How long should a sore throat last

A member asked:

How long should a sore throat last?

A member asked:

I've had sore throat pain since thursday, & its sunday now.ive taken advil (ibuprofen) a few times.. how long should a sore throat last? what can i do to stop it?

A member asked:

I tested positive for strep on feb 6th. i still have a pain in my throat. can strep last longer than a week? sore throat/strep throat for over a week

A member asked:

Have had a sore throat for three days, not too bad, but my cough drops say i should see a doctor if it lasts longer than two days. is that true?

A member asked:

Had bronchitis. cough, phlegm, sore throat, achy, no fever. no longer feel sick, sore throat gone, cough and phlegm still there. how long does the cough and phlegm last after feeling better? thanks?

A member asked:

How could i possibly have gotten a sore throat right after kissing someone thats lasted for 2 months. there were white spots and theres been some green mucus. isnt the incubation period for anything longer than getting symptoms right afterwards?

A member asked:

I'd oral sex with a hiv nagative men,after a day i'd sore throat white tongue low fever last longer a week am infected hiv?or any other sexual diease?

A member asked:

How to combat cold before it lasts longer? natural remedies pls help. i can feel a cold starting up.symptoms:headache, runny nose,sneezing sore throat

A member asked:

On average, how long will a sore throat last?

A member asked:

How long should sore throat last if it's viral

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?