Sore Throat
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have symptoms of strep throat?
See significance of symptoms of strep throat if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note: If you need information on how to take a temperature, see the topic Body Temperature.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have diabetes?
Yes Do you have a medical condition or take a medicine that impairs your immune system?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Does your child have a fever of 101°F (38°C) or higher?
Yes Do you think that your child has a moderate fever, but you are not able to measure his or her temperature?
Yes Do you know or think you have a fever?
Yes Do you have a white or yellow coating on your tonsils?
Yes Do you have swollen glands in your neck without other cold symptoms, such as a cough, congestion, sneezing, or muscle aches?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Has your child had a mild fever for longer than 48 hours or longer?
Yes Have you had a mild to moderate sore throat without other cold symptoms, such as cough, congestion, sneezing, or muscle aches, for 72 hours or longer?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 25, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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