When Should I Be Concerned About a Sore Throat?

You can get a sore throat from just about anything. It could be a symptom of allergies, or you might have sung too loudly at a concert the night before. If the sore throat comes on without other symptoms and passes relatively quickly, it’s probably nothing to worry about. 

But there are times when that sore throat is an indicator that something else is going on in your body, possibly something serious. 

Our dedicated medical team at SmartClinic Urgent Care wants to help you differentiate between a minor sore throat and one that warrants a trip to the doctor. If you have other symptoms with your throat discomfort, visit either of our clinics in Santa Clarita or West Covina, California. We even offer walk-in visits if you’re concerned and want to see a clinician today. 

When to see a doctor for a sore throat

Time is one major factor to consider. Even if your sore throat doesn’t come with any other symptoms, seek medical care if it lasts longer than a week.

Don't wait a week to see a doctor if your sore throat is accompanied by signs of an illness that needs treatment. Visit either of our locations if you also have:

• A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or more
• Body aches
• A rash
• A cough
• Sneezing or a runny nose
• Blood in your saliva
• Excess saliva production
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain or swelling in your joints 
• Pain when swallowing
• Signs of dehydration
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Trouble breathing

Also, look in your throat and mouth. Check your tonsils. If they’re red, swollen, or if you see any white patches (pus), it could be strep throat. Look for small, red spots on the roof of your mouth, too — another sigh of a strep infection. 

Getting treatment for your sore throat

Come in to see our team if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms. We can figure out what’s causing your sore throat — and help you find relief. A member of our team conducts an exam. We might perform a throat swab or strep test, and we can often get your results in a matter of minutes. 

We tailor your treatment based on what’s affecting your throat. If it’s strep throat, for example, we prescribe antibiotics. Or if it’s allergies, we can help you find allergy medication that works for you. 

We partner with you to address any health conditions affecting you. When you’re concerned about your sore throat, contact the SmartClinic Urgent Care location nearest to you to schedule an appointment, or simply walk into either location for the care you need.