How Long Does a Sore Throat Last? (2025)

A sore throat (pharyngitis) caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, typically lasts up to a week. Meanwhile, sore throats due to bacterial infections can persist for up to 10 days with antibiotics.

Typical Duration of a Sore Throat

The typical duration of a sore throat depends on its underlying cause.

Viral Infections (Most Common)

Viral infections, such as colds, the flu, and COVID-19, are the most common causes of sore throats. If you have a sore throat due to a virus, you may also experience symptoms like:

• Coughing
• Hoarseness
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose

Typically, sore throats related to viral infections go away as quickly as the viruses do—that is, within three days to a week.

Bacterial Infections

Sometimes, a sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat (due to Group A Streptococcus bacteria) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea or chlamydia. If the cause is bacteria, your sore throat should clear up within three to 10 days. Your healthcare provider will typically prescribe a 10-day course of antibiotics to treat the infection.

Allergies or Irritants

External irritants can also cause sore throats. For example, dry air, smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke often lead to a scratchy throat and hoarseness. Whether you have seasonal allergies or are sensitive to pet dander, many different allergens can also cause you to develop a sore throat.

Sore throats caused by allergens and irritants may come and go. For example, you may notice symptoms just after being in a smoky environment or during allergy season in your area.

Other Causes

Certain underlying health conditions can lead to a sore throat. For example, people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic form of acid reflux, may experience a sore throat alongside other heartburn symptoms.

In very rare cases, a chronic sore throat can be a sign of certain cancers, such as laryngeal cancer, cancer affecting the larynx, or voice box. Other symptoms of laryngeal cancer include:

• Chronic cough
• Chronic earache
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Swelling and/or lump in the neck
• Wheezing

Factors That Affect Recovery Time

The main factor that affects your recovery from a sore throat is the underlying cause. Bacterial infections usually lead to a longer recovery time. If a cause is ongoing, such as smoking or secondhand smoke, you may also have more chronic symptoms.

Your overall health is also important. People with a compromised immune system due to older age, comorbid health conditions, other illnesses, and medications may also take longer to recover than younger people with typically functioning immune systems.

How to Soothe a Sore Throat for Faster Recovery

Most sore throats that are not caused by bacterial infections go away on their own with time. Still, there are some steps you can take to alleviate your symptoms in the meantime.

Home Remedies

Some steps you can take at home to relieve a sore throat include:

• Breathing in steam
• Drinking soothing warm or cool liquids, such as tea with honey or ice water
• Gargling with warm salt water
• Sleeping in a room with a vaporizer or humidifier
• Sucking on ice chips
• Taking cough drops or lozenges

OTC Options

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) can temporarily soothe your sore throat. Make sure to take them as directed, and talk to your healthcare provider beforehand if you are taking any other medications.

When to See a Provider

In most cases, a sore throat isn’t a sign of anything serious. Still, you should reach out to a healthcare provider if:

• Your sore throat does no go away after a week or more.
• You have a health condition that weakens your immune system.
• Your fever is very high.

Seek emergency medical help by going to the hospital or calling 911 if you have a sore throat and are:

• Developing a skin rash
• Drooling
• Experiencing bloody phlegm or saliva
• Having trouble swallowing
• Making high-pitched noises when breathing
• Showing signs of dehydration
• Struggling to breathe

Summary

A sore throat can be frustrating, but it should typically only last about a week when caused by a viral infection such as the flu or the common cold. Sore throats from bacterial infections often last longer (up to 10 days), while a painful throat due to allergies, other conditions, or external irritants may come and go or become chronic.

Usually, the symptoms of a sore throat go away on their own. Home remedies and over-the-counter medications may help. Reach out to a healthcare provider if your symptoms persist or get worse.