A sore throat is one of the most common illnesses affecting babies, children and young people, particularly during the colder months. While it is usually nothing to worry about, it can cause discomfort, irritability and sleepless nights – not just for your little one but for the whole family.
At The Children’s Clinic, consultant paediatrician Dr Felicity Taylor regularly sees parents who want clear health information and practical advice on what to do if their child has a sore throat.
In this article, we’ll explore the main causes, symptoms, and treatments of a child’s sore throat, including when you should seek medical advice.
Symptoms of a Sore Throat in Children
The most common cause of a child’s sore throat is a viral infection, such as the common cold and flu. Children may experience a stuffy or runny nose, cough or mild fever alongside throat discomfort.
Other symptoms may include:
- Pain when swallowing
Redness at the back of the throat - Swollen neck glands or lymph nodes
- Hoarse voice
- Mild headache or tummy ache
- Tiredness and irritability
It can be difficult to distinguish between a viral infection and a bacterial throat infection based on your child’s symptoms alone. Bacterial infections like strep often come on suddenly, with high fever, swollen glands and no cough.
Strep A, or Group A Streptococcus, is a common bacterium that can cause illnesses such as strep throat, scarlet fever, and impetigo.
Step A can require assessment by a healthcare professional and confirmation with a throat swab or throat culture. If untreated, strep can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney problems, though these are rare in the UK.
Rapid Group A Strep Tests
What Are the Red Flags for a Sore Throat?
Most sore throats are mild, but if your child shows any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical help:
- Difficulty breathing or trouble breathing
- Stridor (a high-pitched sound when inhaling)
- Drooling or inability to swallow
- Severe pain not relieved with simple pain relief
- Signs of dehydration (dry lips, peeing less often, drowsiness)
- High fever or persistent fever lasting more than three days
- Stiff neck or difficulty turning the head
- A rash alongside sore throat symptoms (which may indicate scarlet fever)
- Repeated episodes of sore throat with no clear cause
These symptoms could signal a more serious condition needing urgent medical care. If you are unsure, call NHS 111 for advice.
Causes of Sore Throat in Young Children
Sore throats are usually caused by viruses like cold and flu, and for most children, they can last 3–7 days.
If symptoms last longer than a week, especially without signs of improvement, it’s sensible to seek medical advice (A bacterial infection may last longer unless treated with antibiotics).
Other possible causes can include:
- Postnasal drip from allergies or colds
- Allergic reactions from dust, pollen or pet hair
- Mouth breathing due to congestion in the nose
- Irritation from smoky places or dry air
- Glandular fever, especially in older children and teenagers
- Less common health conditions affecting the immune system
What Helps Children with a Sore Throat?
For most sore throats, supportive care and simple home remedies can make your child more comfortable while the illness runs its course. To help soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts, you can:
- Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, such as water or diluted juice
- For older children only, gargling with warm, salty water can soothe irritation
- Cold foods such as yoghurts or ice lollies can help with discomfort
- Soft foods such as soups, porridge or mashed potatoes are easier to swallow than crusty bread or solid foods
- Age-appropriate pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease pain and reduce fever. Always follow the dosing instructions carefully.

The diagram above from the Healthier Together (1) website shows 10 children who visited their GP with a sore throat. The green faces represent those whose symptoms improved during that time.
As you can see, within 7 days, the majority of children with a sore throat recovered regardless of whether antibiotics were used. In fact, almost all (13 out of 14) who take antibiotics recover just as quickly as those who don’t.
Should a Child with a Sore Throat Go to School?
We know how disruptive it can be for parents when their child can’t go to school due to illness, so knowing when they should stay home is really important for both the parents and the child’s well-being.
If your child only has mild throat pain, no fever and is otherwise well, they can usually attend school.
However, if they have a high fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, white patches on the tonsils or are simply too unwell to participate in class, then they should remain at home until they feel better.
Keeping your child home also helps prevent the spread of infections to other children.
If your child has been diagnosed with ‘Strep Throat’ or scarlet fever, they should remain off school or nursery until 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotics has been given. They can then return to school or nursery, providing they feel well enough and have no fever.
When Should I Take My Child to a Paediatrician for a Sore Throat?
You should contact your local paediatrician or GP if your child’s symptoms are severe or if the sore throat is not improving after a week, particularly if your child has frequent sore throats, a weakened immune system, or other underlying health conditions.
Knowing what to do about a sore throat in children can help parents feel more confident when looking after their little ones. The majority of sore throats are caused by common illnesses such as colds and will get better with plenty of fluids, rest and simple remedies like ice lollies or warm salt water gargles.
However, it’s important to recognise when your child may need medical help, particularly if they have a high fever, are experiencing trouble breathing, or show other red flag symptoms listed above. If you are worried at any point, trust your instincts as a parent and seek medical care.
The Children’s Clinic are here to support families with world-class paediatric healthcare across Hertfordshire, from common ailments to more complex health conditions. If you are concerned about your child’s throat symptoms or would like tailored medical advice, please get in touch.
If you are based in the Harpenden and St Albans area, you can book a Prompt-Response Appointment with Consultant Paediatrician Dr Felicity Taylor. She will take the time to listen, carry out a full assessment including history and examination, and present a treatment plan to get your child back to normal activities as quickly as possible.
Appointments are for children from birth to 17 years inclusive and are available at Harpenden Medical.
You will receive a thorough explanation of any diagnosis made, a plan for further tests, and a follow-up appointment (if any) will be agreed with you.
If onward referral to another tertiary specialist is required (e.g. paediatric ENT, paediatric neurology), Felicity can provide advice and facilitate referrals to the most appropriate specialists.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised guidance and recommendations, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
NHS Healthier Together:
https://www.hwehealthiertogether.nhs.uk/professionals/gp-primary-care-staff/safety-netting-documents-parents/sore-throat-advice-sheet
Main Image:
Image by Pixabay