Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by
Dr Amanda Northridge
GP & Medical Reviewer·MBBS·GMC 2847829
Speak to a GP today about a sore throat or tonsillitis — video within 90 minutes, or in-clinic in Manchester the same day if needed.
GP appointments from £125 — see full pricing
Enough for most sore throats. Seen today — prescription sent to your pharmacy if needed.
For a throat exam or throat swab — same-day appointments in Manchester.
A qualified GP checks your throat and tonsils and reviews your history. Video or in-clinic.
Your GP uses a clinical scoring system (FeverPAIN / Centor) to judge whether antibiotics are likely to help.
If bacterial tonsillitis is likely, a prescription is sent to your pharmacy the same day.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and clear up in a few days. Tonsillitis — when the tonsils become infected — can be viral or bacterial. Bacterial tonsillitis (often "strep throat") is more likely to need antibiotics. Things that make sore throats more likely:
If you can't swallow your own saliva or are struggling to breathe, go to A&E or call 999.
A sore throat can be caused by several things. A GP can tell the difference quickly and start the right treatment the same day.
Yes. Your GP examines your throat, checks for fever and swollen glands, and decides whether the pattern points to a bacterial (typically streptococcal) cause that needs antibiotics or a viral infection that'll settle on its own. Either way you leave with a clear plan, pain-relief advice and a prescription if appropriate.
If the examination suggests a bacterial throat infection — high fever, white spots on the tonsils, swollen neck glands and no cough — antibiotics are usually prescribed and sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy. Most sore throats are viral; antibiotics in those cases don't help and can cause side effects.
Most sore throats don't need a swab — the diagnosis is clinical. Your GP may take one when the picture is borderline, you have a recurring infection, or you're at higher risk of complications. If a swab is sent, your GP will share the timeline and follow up with the result.
Most sore throats peak at 2–3 days and settle within a week. Bacterial tonsillitis treated with antibiotics usually improves within 48 hours. A sore throat that's getting worse after a week, stops you swallowing fluids, or comes with very high fever needs same-day review.
Glandular fever (mononucleosis) typically gives a severe, long-lasting sore throat with profound fatigue, swollen glands and sometimes a rash. It's viral — antibiotics don't help and can cause a rash. If your GP suspects it they'll arrange a blood test and share the timeline.
Difficulty swallowing your own saliva, drooling, struggling to breathe, severe one-sided pain that won't settle with painkillers, or muffled voice can mean a complication that needs urgent care — go to A&E or call 999. A same-day GP appointment is right for everything else.
Video or in-clinic, 15 minutes. Your GP takes a focused history, examines you, and explains what they think is going on.
Blood tests, swabs, urine samples or imaging — your GP arranges what fits and shares the timeline at the appointment.
Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy after the call. Sick notes issued at the visit. Specialist referral letters written the same day when needed.
Sources: NHS Tonsillitis · NICE CKS Sore throat — acute