Been having a sore throat past few days. first 2 days was with fever and chills. but now it's extremely painful to swallow and visibly red and swollen?

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, recurrent or doesn't go away quickly (mainly to check for strep). A couple days of throat lozenges or Tylenol (acetaminophen) can decrease pain.