How can you get rid of a sore throat, and when are antibiotics medically necessary in Europe?

Sore throat relief explained: viral vs bacterial causes, home remedies, pain relief options, and prescribing criteria.

In this episode, we outline how sore throats are assessed under EU clinical guidance and when treatment goes beyond supportive care.

You’ll learn:

• The most common causes of sore throat (viral infection, strep throat, allergies, reflux)

• At-home remedies such as hydration, saltwater gargles, honey, and rest

• When paracetamol or ibuprofen may help with pain and fever

• How to recognise symptoms of bacterial infection

• When throat swab testing is recommended

• Red flag symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, drooling, high fever, or breathing difficulty