General News
18 January, 2026
Call the Doctor: Why most sore throats don’t need antibiotics
Call the Doctor with GP Felix Ritson returns in 2026 with another thought-provoking article, this time on sire throats, research and the use of antibiotics.
The practice of medicine relies upon the collaboration of various health professionals and scientists.
Countless thousands of individuals from around the globe work together tirelessly to research and review evidence in the pursuit of growing understanding and improving health care.
The outcome of these individuals' work is passed on to doctors (and then to patients) in many forms, but the one that has the greatest influence is clinical guidelines.
Clinical guidelines suggest to Doctors how to best address various health issues; they are written by teams of experts and updated regularly.
In Australia, there are organisations responsible for publishing the most reputable guidelines for specific conditions.
The National Asthma Council of Australia for Asthma, Kidney Health Australia for Chronic Kidney Disease, The Heart Foundation for Cardiovascular Disease, and so on. For many conditions, the most reputable guidelines are called the “Therapeutic Guidelines”.
They are used by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners to write their fellowship exam questions; they are a key resource for medical students, and every health system I have ever worked in has used and endorsed them.
These guidelines are as close as we can get in Australia to “best practice”.
They provide expert, up-to-date guidance on how to manage many illnesses and symptoms, including a sore throat.
The vast majority of sore throats, otherwise known as tonsillitis or pharyngitis, are not serious conditions and will get better by themselves within seven days.
The "Therapeutic Guidelines” highlights and repeats itself to make very clear two points about sore throats".
Viral pharyngitis and tonsillitis are the most common causes of sore throat” and “Do not prescribe antibiotics for viral pharyngitis and tonsillitis”.
For people who are not at a high risk of serious conditions or seriously unwell, antibiotics will not be of benefit.
The guidelines go on to make it very clear that even with a sore throat caused by a bacterial infection called Group A Strep, most patients do not need antibiotics.
This is very good news. Modern medicine is only beginning to understand the harm that antibiotics can cause to our microbiome and wellbeing when they are taken inappropriately.
Less antibiotics also means less chance of a serious adverse reaction and less chance of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
However, it is still important to seek the opinion of a health professional if you are feeling ill or are concerned about your health.
There are cases when antibiotics or other treatment is appropriate, particularly if symptoms are severe.
There are also rare but very serious and even life-threatening conditions that can start with a sore throat.
Some people are at an increased risk of these serious conditions, such as those with an impaired immune system, previous rheumatic heart disease, those living in poverty or overcrowded housing, and those from some specific cultural and ethnic backgrounds or regions.
If you are unsure if you should see a GP, you can always call the Healthdirect Helpline on 1800 022 222 and speak to a nurse.
What I've written here is based on what guidelines used by GPs currently, but guidelines change often and sometimes dramatically.
Furthermore, your situation, overall health, and sore throat might not fit the guidelines, and your GP may therefore suggest different treatment.
In short, seek help, just don't be disappointed if you are not offered antibiotics.