Sore throat, painful when swollowing and puss in the back of throat. had tonsils out when i was young. what could this be ?

Dr. can check throat: New throat pain can be from a strep throat infection (antibiotics are needed), a cold or influenza (antibiotics usually not used), or from some other cause such as allergies or irritants. Usually, a person sees the doctor if the sore throat is bothersome (as in this case), recurrent, or doesn't go away quickly (mainly to check for strep throat). Throat infections occur with or without tonsils.