Most sore throats clear up on their own within a week. Some do not. When swallowing becomes painful, your tonsils are swollen and spotted, a fever will not settle, or you have had the same throat infection three times this year, it is time to be seen properly rather than wait it out.
At Wimbledon Medical Service, our private GP team offers same-day appointments for sore throats, tonsillitis and throat infections, in person at our Wimbledon Village clinic or by video. We examine your throat, test for bacterial infection where it will change your treatment, and tell you plainly whether you need antibiotics, symptom relief or a specialist opinion.
Sore Throat, Tonsillitis or Strep Throat?
A sore throat (pharyngitis) is inflammation at the back of the throat, most often caused by the same viruses that cause colds. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils themselves, the two pads of tissue either side of the back of your throat. Both are usually viral. Strep throat is a bacterial tonsillitis caused by group A streptococcus, and it is the type most likely to need antibiotics.
Telling them apart by symptoms alone is unreliable, which is why a proper examination matters. In practice, the distinction that changes your treatment is viral versus bacterial, and a short consultation with a throat swab can settle it.
Symptoms We Can Help With
Sore throat symptoms
A scratchy, raw or painful throat, especially when swallowing, often with a cough, runny nose, hoarse voice or mild fever. Viral sore throats usually improve within three to seven days.
Tonsillitis symptoms
Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white or yellow spots, a high temperature, swollen glands in the neck, bad breath, earache and difficulty swallowing. Children may also complain of stomach ache or go off their food.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Around nine in ten sore throats are viral: colds, flu, glandular fever and, in recent years, COVID-19. Bacterial infections, mainly group A streptococcus, account for the rest and are more common in school-age children and young adults. Smoking, vaping, dry indoor air, allergies, acid reflux and shouting or singing can all leave the throat sore without any infection at all.
Tonsillitis tends to recur in some people, particularly children and teenagers. Frequent episodes, generally five or more a year, or a history of quinsy, are the usual reasons a GP would discuss a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist.
How We Diagnose Sore Throats and Tonsillitis
During your private GP consultation, your GP will take a careful history and examine your throat, tonsils, neck glands and ears, and check your temperature. Where further testing is useful, we can arrange:
Rapid strep throat swab: a quick test for group A streptococcus, with results discussed at your appointment
Throat swab for laboratory culture: for recurrent or stubborn infections
On-site blood tests: for suspected glandular fever or when infections keep returning, with most results back within 24 to 48 hours
ENT referral: for recurrent tonsillitis, suspected quinsy or a sore throat that will not settle, with a referral letter prepared promptly
Treatment Options at Wimbledon Medical Service
Treatment depends on what we find:
Symptom relief and clear advice: for viral sore throats, the right pain relief, lozenges, fluids and rest, plus an honest timeline for recovery
Antibiotics when they are needed: for confirmed or likely bacterial tonsillitis and strep throat, prescribed responsibly at your appointment and issued as a private prescription
Referrals to specialists when needed
A plan for recurrent tonsillitis: looking at the pattern of infections, treating each episode effectively and discussing an ENT referral if tonsillectomy may be appropriate
Fit notes and medical letters: including private fit notes for work or school when illness keeps you at home
Follow-up: so that a sore throat that should have settled is reviewed rather than left
Standard 20-minute consultations start from £110. You can book an appointment online in minutes.
When to See a GP About a Sore Throat
See a GP if your sore throat has not improved after a week, keeps coming back, or comes with a high temperature, swollen glands and spots on your tonsils. See us promptly if you have a weakened immune system, or if a child is drinking much less than usual, or has a very high temperature.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child have difficulty breathing, cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, or are making a high-pitched noise when breathing. These need emergency care, as NHS guidance sets out.
Why Choose Wimbledon Medical Service?
We are a compassionate, not-for-profit private GP practice in Wimbledon Village, and we believe good care starts with time to listen. For a sore throat, that means:
Same-day appointments, in clinic at 39 Church Road or by video
Unhurried consultations with an experienced GP who examines you properly and explains what they find
Rapid strep testing and on-site blood tests, so decisions are based on results, not guesswork
Responsible prescribing: antibiotics when you need them, reassurance and advice when you do not
Care for the whole family, from children to adults
No membership fees or minimum commitment: use us alongside your NHS GP whenever you need us; our patient FAQs explain how it works
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my sore throat is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis usually brings swollen, red tonsils with white or yellow spots, a high temperature, swollen neck glands and painful swallowing, rather than the milder scratchiness of a cold. A GP can confirm it by examining your throat and, where helpful, taking a swab.
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Usually not. Most sore throats are viral and antibiotics do not help. Antibiotics are worth taking for bacterial tonsillitis or strep throat, which your GP can identify using an examination, a symptom score and a rapid throat swab.
Can I get a strep test in Wimbledon?
Yes. We offer rapid strep throat swabs at our Wimbledon Village clinic, usually at a same-day appointment, with the result discussed during your consultation so treatment can start straight away if needed.
How long does tonsillitis last?
Viral tonsillitis usually improves within a week. Bacterial tonsillitis often settles within two to three days of starting antibiotics, though you should complete the course. See a GP if you are not improving after a week or feel worse.
Is tonsillitis contagious?
Yes. The viruses and bacteria that cause it spread through coughs, sneezes and shared cups or cutlery. Stay home while you have a fever, and for 24 hours after starting antibiotics if your infection is bacterial.
When should tonsils be removed?
Tonsillectomy is considered for frequent, disabling tonsillitis, typically seven episodes in a year, five a year for two years, or three a year for three years, or after quinsy. We can assess the pattern and refer you to an ENT specialist to discuss it.
Can you assess a sore throat by video?
Yes. Your GP can review your symptoms, but we will ask you to come into the clinic if a swab or a closer examination is needed.
How much does an appointment cost?
Standard 20-minute consultations start from £110, with longer appointments available. Swabs, some prescriptions and letters are charged separately; see our services and fees for details.
Get Your Throat Checked Today
A sore throat should not keep you guessing. Whether you need reassurance, a strep test, antibiotics or a plan for infections that keep returning, book a same-day appointment at Wimbledon Medical Service, or call our reception team on 020 8153 4239.