Sudden sore throat - does it need antibiotics?

[Lanzy]

I’m hoping to get to GP next week. Worrying as getting one and have 4 week old.
Last Friday I developed a sudden sore throat, no other symptoms. Just sore to swallow liquids and foods and still same now but can hear it in my voice. I’ve been drinking liquids and if it doesn’t improve GP..but just wondered if its strep does it require antibiotics as according to nhs website tonsillitis wouldn’t…unsure how to tell them apart (I know medical but is there a tel tale way)

any advice and how long can these generally last :(

Have you tried Heflin with warm water and salt? Or even TCP diluted in water? Or perhaps difflam solution? I use all of the above when I get a bad sore throat!

I think if it was strep, you would have white marks on your throat - same with tonsillitis - and probably a fever.

If you have a 4 week old you might just be run-down, tired and struggling to fight off a virus. Definitely go to the GP to get it checked though!

plenty of hot drinks too! Hope you feel better soon xxx

Heflin?! Haha I meant gargling!

I was so hopeful it was a new treatment! Lol. I definitely will its so frustrating and no other symptoms really :(

Same here with a dreadful throat and glands the size of eggs. Throat so swollen it feels like it’s closing up.
Advice from NHS web site says it will improve in time.
Drinks, painkillers etc.
i find ice packs on my throat helpful & Difflam gargle helps too.

I’ve had my throat since last Saturday but swallowing is still an absolute nightmare. I think I must be terribly tired & run down but it will pass.

I just did a double take of your photograph OP, and thought looks like quinseys could be starting. It’s no joke if anyone ever gets this, and people need to get more educated about this. Could you do me a favour for my peace of mind ring 111, sooner rather than later?
I would like to reiterate if any person starts with a sore throat and it gets to a point where it is severely difficult to even drink due to the tonsils being swollen so much, and infected, contact your gp or out of hours as a matter of urgency. Full blown quinseys are horrendous, and life threatening.

please let us know OP how your getting on and the other poster with similar symptoms.

Warsprite please ring 111 as a matter of urgency. If you feel this is getting worse instead of better do not think any amount of gargling will make it improve. I’m not being dramatic, I’ve seen it so many times, where a sore throat can escalate into quinsey very quickly.

Just googled quinsey - never heard of it! Woweee. That looks horrific and the OP’s photo does look like it could be going that way. Best to get checked! Let us know how you get on OP and good luck with the Heflin too 🤣❤️🫣 xxx

I had never heard of Quincy either til I had it - it is horrific - but when I had it I couldn't even swallow saliva and I couldn't get out of bed

Icepinkeskimo

thank you so much for suggesting Quinsey. You don’t hear much about it these days.
I’ve been up in the night gargling + more pain killers so as soon as I slowly get up & shower I’ll see how I am.
I’ve been poorly since (cold,cough, flu like) well before Christmas, made a bit of recovery in New Year & then throat (& sinus’) knocked me for six again.
It’s kind of you to contribute yiur suggestion. Thank you & I’ll bear in mind 111.

Try fresh pineapple juice. It contains enzymes which help. Needs to be fresh though.

I seen GP today, she did swab and I asked what she thinks it could be and said possibly tonsillitis- though no temp! With quinsy would this show on culture? @Icepinkeskimo

Good morning Lanzy, apologies for the late reply, but I’ve been like a hamster on a wheel for the last week, with no let up work wise.
How are you doing? I was driving home and “ping” I thought about you and am checking in.
I am glad that you went to the GP, did she prescribe any antibiotics? I’m concerned that as you are run down your immunity is taking a beating. Basically what can start out as tonsillitis, can escalate to quinseys, your GP is checking for a specific bacteria to prescribe antibiotics accordingly. I hope in the meantime she gave you a prescription for a broad spectrum antibiotic.
Let us know how you are.

Warspite how are you doing as well? Please let us know?
It sounds like your going through the wars, I hope you’ve contacted your GP or 111.

@Icepinkeskimo

Good morning, thank you for asking.
Im slowly recovering. Now into my 3rd week of a second virus which all started Dec 5th.
I soldiered on with Difflam, painkillers, ice packs to glands & thence TCP gargling. TCP has phenol in it which deadened my throat.

Still not 100% clear of all symptoms but slowly getting there.
Thank you for following up. ❤️

Hi

Thank you so much for thinking of me!
it’s still stuck around, the culture came baxk negative for bacteria so no antibiotics given.
it’s odd because there is days it’s better I feel it’s gone then boom it reappears which is odd!

Last night it’s now like post drip too as keep having to clear a little! :(