Adult Sore Throat Treatment (Pharyngitis) in Georgia
Fast MD-only sore throat care by video, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Painful swallowing, scratchy throat, and swollen glands are common with sore throat. Many cases are caused by viruses, while some are due to strep throat or other bacterial infections. Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based criteria to distinguish likely viral from possible strep pharyngitis by video visit and recommend testing or antibiotics only when appropriate.
- Board-certified MD every visit
- Video-only care, no waiting rooms
- $49 flat fee, no insurance needed
- Antibiotics and strep testing recommended only when medically appropriate
What Is a Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)?
Pharyngitis refers to inflammation of the throat, usually causing pain with swallowing, scratchy throat, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes or fever. Viruses are the most common cause in adults, but group A strep (streptococcal pharyngitis) and other bacteria can also be responsible. Viral infections often come with cough, runny nose, or hoarseness, while classic strep throat tends to cause fever, throat pain, and tender neck glands without a cough.
TeleDirectMD focuses on evaluating sore throat in otherwise healthy adults, using clinical decision tools and current guidelines. During your secure video visit, a TeleDirectMD physician reviews your symptom pattern, examines your throat and neck via video as feasible, and screens for warning signs that require in-person care or urgent testing. As long as you are physically located in Georgia at the time of your visit, we can evaluate your sore throat and, when appropriate, send prescriptions or testing recommendations to your local Georgia pharmacy or clinic.
Typical Symptoms Versus Red Flags
Many sore throat symptoms can be evaluated safely online, but some patterns suggest complications such as abscess, severe airway narrowing, or systemic infection. The table below compares common findings.
| Symptom pattern | More likely uncomplicated viral or mild bacterial pharyngitis | Suggests possible strep or more serious infection | Red flag (seek urgent in-person care) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throat pain | Mild to moderate pain, worse with swallowing, improving over a few days | Moderate to severe pain with fever and tender neck glands | Severe one-sided throat pain with difficulty opening the mouth or drooling |
| Fever | No fever or low-grade fever only | Fever ≥ 100.4°F (38°C) with sore throat and no cough | High fever with shaking chills, confusion, or very ill appearance |
| Cough and congestion | Runny nose, cough, and hoarseness along with throat pain | Little or no cough, mainly throat pain and fever | Severe shortness of breath, noisy breathing, or stridor |
| Neck swelling | Mildly tender “glands” under the jaw | Markedly tender or enlarged lymph nodes on one or both sides | Rapidly spreading neck swelling, difficulty turning the head, or trouble breathing |
| Swallowing | Painful but able to swallow liquids and saliva | Harder to swallow but still managing fluids | Inability to swallow saliva, drooling, or leaning forward to breathe |
| Overall course | Sore throat improving over 3–5 days in a well adult | Persistent sore throat with fever or new white patches on the tonsils | Rapid worsening symptoms, confusion, stiff neck, or signs of sepsis |
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Age 18 or older
- Sore throat or pain with swallowing
- Mild to moderate fever or no fever
- Possible viral symptoms such as runny nose or cough
- Able to swallow liquids and manage saliva
- No severe shortness of breath or noisy breathing
- Able to sit up and speak in full sentences
- No rapidly spreading neck swelling
- Stable overall health and able to drink fluids
Red Flag Symptoms, In-Person or Emergency Care
- Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or stridor
- Inability to swallow saliva, drooling, or choking on fluids
- Severe one-sided throat pain with muffled “hot potato” voice
- Rapidly increasing neck swelling or severe neck stiffness
- High fever with shaking chills or feeling very ill
- Confusion, severe headache, or stiff neck
- Recent neck trauma or surgery with new severe pain
- New sore throat in someone who is significantly immunocompromised
- Signs of sepsis such as very fast breathing, racing heart, or feeling faint
How TeleDirectMD Treats Adult Sore Throat
Supportive Care Measures
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen when appropriate
- Encouraging warm fluids, throat lozenges, and saltwater gargles to reduce discomfort
- Maintaining adequate hydration unless restricted for another condition
- Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke exposure
- Discussing short-term use of throat sprays or lozenges, while noting they do not treat infection itself
When Testing or Antibiotics Are Appropriate
Antibiotics are used when your symptom pattern and risk factors suggest likely bacterial pharyngitis, especially strep throat, and red flag signs of more serious illness are not present. Many adults with sore throat do not need antibiotics and improve with supportive care alone. During your video visit, your MD:
- Applies guideline-based decision tools to decide if rapid strep testing is recommended
- Reviews your fever history, throat findings, cough, and exposure risks
- Assesses for warning signs that require urgent in-person evaluation
- Explains whether antibiotics, testing, or observation is the best next step
Common Adult Antibiotic Regimens When Indicated
| Antibiotic | Typical adult dose | Usual duration | When we use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penicillin V | 500 mg BID | 10 days | Preferred option for confirmed or strongly suspected strep throat in adults without penicillin allergy. |
| Amoxicillin | 500 mg BID | 10 days | Alternative first-line choice for adults who can take penicillins and prefer a once or twice daily regimen. |
| Azithromycin | 500 mg day 1, then 250 mg daily | 5 days | Option for adults with significant penicillin allergy, when macrolides are otherwise appropriate and local resistance patterns are considered. |
Antibiotics are not used for purely viral sore throat, as they do not speed recovery and may cause side effects. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances for sore throat pain.
Home Care Tips for Sore Throat
- Drink warm fluids such as tea with honey or broth unless restricted for another condition.
- Use saltwater gargles several times a day to help reduce throat discomfort.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your MD, if appropriate for you.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier if your indoor air is dry.
- Rest your voice and avoid irritants such as smoke or very dry air.
- Follow your MD’s directions for any prescribed medications and complete the full course if antibiotics are given.
Return to Work Guidance
Many adults can continue working or return to work once throat pain and fever are controlled enough to perform usual tasks and swallowing is comfortable enough to stay hydrated. If fever was present, being fever free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication is a reasonable threshold before returning to work in most settings. Your MD can provide a simple work note when medically appropriate. TeleDirectMD does not complete disability, FMLA, or long-term workplace accommodation paperwork.
TeleDirectMD provides evidence-based virtual urgent care for adults, including sore throat, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, skin concerns, and medication refills. All visits are with a board-certified MD by secure video, with clear guidance for when in-person care is required instead of telehealth alone.
Adult Sore Throat Questions and Answers
Can a doctor diagnose a sore throat cause by video visit?
In many adults, yes. Pharyngitis is often diagnosed based on symptoms, timing, and visual throat appearance. During your TeleDirectMD visit, an MD reviews how long you have been sick, your fever history, associated symptoms, and red flags to decide if your illness fits uncomplicated sore throat, likely viral infection, possible strep, or needs in-person evaluation.
How do you tell if my sore throat is strep or viral?
Viral sore throat often comes with cough, runny nose, or hoarseness. Strep throat is more likely with fever, tender neck glands, tonsillar exudates, and absence of cough. Your TeleDirectMD physician uses guideline-based decision tools and your symptom pattern to decide whether strep testing or empiric treatment is appropriate.
Do I always need antibiotics for a sore throat?
No. Most adult sore throats are viral and improve with supportive care alone. Antibiotics are reserved for adults with confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial pharyngitis, especially strep throat. During your visit, your MD will explain whether antibiotics, testing, or observation is the best next step in your situation.
Can TeleDirectMD order or recommend a strep test?
Yes. When your symptoms suggest possible strep throat, your TeleDirectMD physician can recommend rapid strep testing or throat culture at a local clinic or urgent care, and may use those results to guide treatment. In some cases, treatment decisions can be made based on clinical criteria and local practice standards.
How long does it take to feel better after starting treatment?
With appropriate treatment and supportive care, many adults notice improvement in throat pain within a few days. Full recovery can take about a week. If symptoms are worsening after several days of treatment, or you develop new red flag symptoms such as difficulty breathing, drooling, or severe one-sided throat pain, you should seek in-person care promptly.
Is TeleDirectMD available throughout Georgia for sore throat care?
Yes. As long as you are physically located in Georgia at the time of your visit and can access a local pharmacy or testing site, you can use TeleDirectMD for sore throat evaluation. This includes adults in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Savannah, Augusta, and rural counties across the state.
When should I go to urgent care or the emergency room instead?
You should seek in-person care urgently for red flags such as difficulty breathing, stridor, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, severe one-sided throat pain with muffled voice, rapidly spreading neck swelling, high fever with very ill appearance, or confusion and stiff neck. These symptoms can signal serious complications that cannot be managed by telehealth alone.
Can I get a work note for my employer?
Yes. When medically appropriate, your TeleDirectMD physician can provide a brief work note confirming that you were evaluated and outlining a reasonable timeframe to return to work. TeleDirectMD does not complete disability forms, FMLA paperwork, or detailed workplace accommodation letters.
Does TeleDirectMD take insurance for sore throat visits?
TeleDirectMD visits are offered at a $49 flat fee and are not billed to insurance. Pharmacy and laboratory costs are separate and may be submitted to insurance or paid directly, depending on your coverage and preferences.
Who will I see during my online sore throat visit?
All TeleDirectMD visits are provided by licensed physicians. You will see an MD, not a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, for your sore throat evaluation and treatment plan.