I have a sore throat and a fever. what can i do about this?

See your doctor: Standard practice in New Zealand is to conduct a throat swab to check for Group A streptococcal infection, which can result in rheumatic fever especially in Maori or Pacific Island populations. If your child is at high risk he may receive antibiotics straight away, or if low risk, wait until the swab result comes back. I recommend going in to see your doctor or at least the nurse for a swab.

Soothe your throat: A sore throat can be serious but likely it is easily treated with symptomatic things like throat sprays, lozenges, salt water gargles, cold drinks and ice cream. Paracetamol and ibuprofen will also help. You should see your GP to determine if you need antibiotics. You may ask you doctor for some steroids which act as an anti-inflammatory and can greatly reduce your symptoms.

Sore throat: Sore throat can be secondary to a viral infection or bacterial infection . If there is runny nose or flu like symptoms its more likely to be viral illness otherwise bacterial . Bacterial sore throats need to be treated by antibiotics . You should see your GP immediately or consult with virtual health doctor or go to ED.

Sore throat: see your doctor for throat swabs. they can decide if you need antibiotics or it is just viral.

What to do.: If you have significantly sore throat w swollen tonsils / lymph nodes – see your medical provider ; get a strep throat test ; culture. Saltwater gargles are helpful. Mix a tsp of salt in 8 oz of warm water – gargle w this several times/day. Tylenol (acetaminophen) or nsaid's may help/you can gargle w aloe vera juice a couple of times /day. A mix of chamomile tea w honey ; a small amount of lemon juice is good.