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Sore throat
A raw or rough feeling in the throat is a symptom that most people have from time to time. A sore throat is often the first sign of a common cold and is also a feature of other viral infections. You can treat a sore throat yourself at home unless you also have other, more serious symptoms. However, if your sore throat persists or is severe, consult your doctor.
Do you have a fever – a temperature of 100.4 ° F( 38 ° C) or above?
Fever
No fever
Do you have swelling in your groin and / or armpits?
Yes
No
EARACHE • SORE THROAT
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may be suffering from infectious mononucleosis.
Do you have any of these?
General aches and pains
Runny nose
Headache
Cough
103
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES Activities such as smoking or breathing smoke, shouting, and loud singing are likely to cause throat irritation.
• Follow the advice for soothing a sore throat( p. 164).
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your symptoms worsen, change, or are no better in 2 days.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have either tonsillitis or pharyngitis( inflamed throat).
• Follow the advice for soothing a sore throat( p. 164).
Before the onset of your sore throat, had you been doing any of these?
Smoking heavily or breathing smoke
Shouting or singing loudly
None of the above
None of the above
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You probably have a severe cold or flu.
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your symptoms worsen, change, or are no better after 2 days.
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You may have a cold.
• Follow the advice for soothing a sore throat( p. 164).
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if you are no better within 2 days.