How long does a sore throat last?

Having a scratchy or irritated throat can be a real pain—in more ways than one. But the good news is, it won’t last forever. Generally, most sore throats resolve within two to seven days. 

Some of the most common causes of sore throats are viruses like the common cold, allergies, or bacterial infections like strep throat. Lifestyle or environmental factors like cold, dry air, or smoking are a few other reasons a person may experience a sore throat.

A few things can affect someone’s sore throat timeline, including the underlying cause, the medications someone takes, and how strong their immune system is. 

While most symptoms fade within a few days, knowing the red flags for when it’s time to visit a healthcare provider can mean the difference between adding a humidifier to your shopping list and getting antibiotics for a more serious infection.

Average duration of a sore throat by cause

How long a person’s throat pain lingers will depend on the cause of the sore throat and a few other factors. So, how long does a sore throat last on average? Typically, two to seven days.

One or two days of discomfort and irritation occur at the onset of experiencing a sore throat, according to Flora Sinha, MD, an internist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Group. “The progression will last about two to seven days, and symptoms start to peak around days three to four. In terms of recovery, the total time duration ranges from seven to 10 days, but improvement may start earlier,” she says.

“The timeline is similar for kids and adults. However, children may recover quicker,” adds Dr. Sinha.

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Viral infections

Viruses like the ones causing common cold symptoms or the flu are to blame for 85% to 95% of sore throats in adults and children younger than 5 years old. Viruses are the most common cause of a sore throat in all age groups. Other symptoms that suggest a  viral cause of a sore throat include cough, runny nose, hoarseness, and pink eye, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Although most viral infections resolve on their own, the typical duration is still two to seven days. The main factors affecting the duration of a viral sore throat are congestion and post-nasal drainage, says Robert Biernbaum, DO, Chief Medical Officer at WellNow Urgent Care.

Other factors affecting the duration of symptoms are a person’s age, general health status, immunity, and treatment, adds Dr. Sinha. And if a sore throat is due to COVID-19, expect a similar duration. 

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Bacterial infections

Sore throats caused by bacterial infections, like group A Streptococcus, the bacteria causing strep throat, are less common than viral infections. But they do cause around 30% of sore throats in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Typically, symptoms begin quickly and may include fever, inflammation in the lymph nodes and tonsils, red or white patches on the back of the throat, or tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth.

“Bacterial infections are more common in children aged 5 to 15 than adults,” says Dr. Biernbaum, referencing an article published in Canadian Family Physician. Young children have more contact with others and less developed immune systems than adults, making them more likely to catch a contagious infection like strep throat.

Healthcare providers diagnose bacterial infections by swabbing a sample from the back of the throat. If the initial test result is positive, they usually prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Because antibiotic medications vary in dosage and timeline, it’s smart to chat with the pharmacist to review how to take them.

“When a sore throat due to a bacterial infection is treated with appropriate antibiotics, it will usually improve within two to three days from initiation of the antibiotics,” says Dr. Biernbaum. However, if left untreated, it may last longer than one week. Proper diagnosis by a healthcare provider and the right antibiotics are key to shortening a sore throat caused by bacterial infection.

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Allergic reactions

Some people may experience a sore throat due to allergic reactions to things like animal dander, pollens, mold, or household dust. “Sore throats due to allergies are most commonly caused by post-nasal drip. Unlike a virus, seasonal allergies are a chronic condition, so a sore throat due to allergies could last weeks to months,”  says Dr. Biernbaum. 

The duration of a sore throat caused by allergies can vary, especially if the person is regularly exposed to the allergen. According to Dr. Singha, other factors that may affect duration are the person’s sensitivity level and environment, the type of allergen, the season, and if they’re receiving allergy treatment.

Environmental factors

Other reasons for dealing with a sore throat include breathing in cold air, sleeping with a fan on, breathing in secondhand smoke or household chemicals, and being around air pollution.

Dr. Sinha says how long someone has a sore throat from things in their environment depends on how much time they spend around them. To avoid or reduce throat pain, someone could change their surroundings or avoid being in areas that worsen symptoms.

Lifestyle choices

Some people experience a sore throat from things like smoking, vaping, drinking alcohol, or screaming. As for how long this kind of sore throat lasts, Dr. Biernbaum says, “As long as an individual is exposed to the irritant.” 

Smoking cigarettes or vaping is the most common lifestyle choice that can cause a sore throat because smoke irritates the throat’s mucous membranes, explains Dr. Biernbaum. 

And you don’t have to be a regular smoker to feel the effects of a sore throat. One study found a significant association between occasional cigarette smoking and sore throat complaints in young adults. 

Dr. Sinha says the duration of a sore throat from smoking can vary based on how many cigarettes someone smokes and how well their immune system works. If smoke inhalation or secondhand smoke is to blame, throat pain can last for a couple of days past exposure.

RELATED: 5 vitamins for smokers

When to see a doctor for a sore throat

A sore throat that hasn’t resolved in one week may be a bacterial infection and a sign it’s time to see a healthcare provider.

Dr. Sinha says it’s crucial to seek medical attention for a sore throat with severe symptoms like a high fever, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, or a rash. Without proper care, the chances of complications increase.

When seeing a healthcare provider for a sore throat, they’ll do a physical exam, check vital signs, and ask about symptoms. They may also do a throat swab if bacterial infection is a concern. 

Dr. Biernbaum recommends seeing a healthcare provider for a sore throat lasting more than a week or if a person has been exposed to group A strep pharyngitis or mononucleosis.

According to the CDC, antibiotics won’t help sore throats caused by a virus. However, providers may prescribe other medicines to help lessen symptoms and increase comfort.  

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How to get rid of a sore throat quickly

There are a few ways to improve a sore throat, like natural remedies, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and prescription drugs like amoxicillin or cephalexin.

If a sore throat is due to allergies, using an over-the-counter medication or prescribed allergy medicine can help to control or improve symptoms, says Dr. Biernbaum. 

Dr. Sinha suggests a few options for soothing general throat pain: 

• Stay hydrated
• Try throat lozenges
• Gargle warm salt water
• Use a humidifier
• Drink warm water and other warm liquids with turmeric and honey
• Use over-the-counter pain relief medications, like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Limit speaking if possible

Dr. Sinha says these fast-acting treatments may soothe a sore throat immediately or take up to a half-hour to kick in. But remember that relief may not last long, depending on what’s causing the pain.

Getting proper rest when sick with a sore throat and other colds is best. And try to avoid things that can worsen throat pain, like spicy or acidic foods, excessive talking, and dry air. 

Finally, here are some tips from the CDC for avoiding sore throats: 

• Wash hands often
• Stay away from smoking and secondhand smoke
• Try not to be around people with cold symptoms, sore throats, or other respiratory infections