What’s Good for a Sore Throat? Best Foods & Instant Relief Tips

That raw, scratchy, painful feeling when you swallow, a sore throat can make even drinking water feel like a chore. Whether it hit you overnight or crept in gradually, the right food choices and home remedies can make a significant difference in how fast you heal and how comfortable you feel along the way.

At Advanced Internal Medicine, our board-certified physicians in Sycamore and Elgin, IL see sore throats frequently across all age groups. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer the most common questions, what’s good for a sore throat, what to eat, what to avoid, whether ice cream and orange juice actually help, and when it’s time to see a doctor.

Understanding Sore Throats: Causes & When to Act

A sore throat, medically known as pharyngitis, occurs when the tissues lining the throat become inflamed and irritated. It is one of the most common reasons patients visit their primary care provider each year.

Common Causes of a Sore Throat

• Viral infections — The most frequent cause. Cold, flu, and COVID-19 viruses are responsible for the majority of sore throats. These typically resolve on their own within 5–7 days.
• Bacterial infections (Strep throat) — Caused by Group A Streptococcus. Strep requires antibiotic treatment and a proper throat culture to diagnose. According to the CDC, strep throat affects approximately 11,000 Americans each year in clinical settings.
• Allergies and environmental irritants — Pollen, smoke, dry air, and mold can trigger throat inflammation, particularly during the spring allergy season in Illinois.
• Acid reflux (GERD) — Stomach acid that travels into the throat can cause a persistent, morning-worse sore throat.
• Dry air — Especially during cold Illinois winters when heating systems strip moisture from indoor air.

Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention

Contact Advanced Internal Medicine if you experience:

• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• White patches, pus, or swelling on the tonsils
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva
• Sore throat lasting more than 7–10 days
• Stiff neck or rash alongside throat pain
• Symptoms in a child under 3 years old

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that persistent sore throat, high fever, and swollen lymph nodes may indicate a more serious bacterial infection that requires prompt medical evaluation.

What’s Good for a Sore Throat? Instant Relief Strategies

Before we dive into foods, here are the most effective home remedies for a sore throat that provide rapid symptom relief:

1. Warm Saltwater Gargle

Dissolve ½ teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of warm (not boiling) water. Gargle for 15–30 seconds and spit. Repeat every 4–6 hours. The salt draws excess fluid from inflamed throat tissues through osmosis, reducing swelling and temporarily relieving pain. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends saltwater gargles as a first-line home treatment for a sore throat.

2. Honey in Warm Tea

Stir 1–2 teaspoons of raw honey into warm herbal tea or warm water. Honey’s natural antimicrobial compounds coat and soothe the throat lining. Studies supported by the National Institutes of Health demonstrate honey’s effectiveness in reducing throat irritation, do not give honey to children under 12 months.

3. Herbal Teas

Warm, non-caffeinated herbal teas are excellent for hydration and soothing. Best options include:

• Ginger tea — Natural anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling
• Chamomile tea — Mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects
• Licorice root tea — Acts as a demulcent, coating the throat lining
• Peppermint tea — Menthol content naturally numbs mild pain

4. Cool-Mist Humidifier

Dry air worsens throat irritation. A cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom helps maintain indoor humidity at 40–50%, which keeps the throat moist and reduces overnight irritation. The CDC recommends humidity control as part of supportive care for upper respiratory illness.

5. OTC Throat Lozenges and Sprays

Lozenges containing menthol, benzocaine, or pectin temporarily numb throat pain and stimulate saliva production, which keeps throat tissues moist. These do not treat the underlying infection but provide meaningful comfort.

6. Rest and Hydration

This is arguably the most important remedy. Adequate sleep gives your immune system the energy it needs to fight infection. Sip cool or room-temperature water, diluted broths, herbal teas, and electrolyte solutions throughout the day. Staying hydrated thins mucus and keeps throat tissues lubricated. Our team also discusses immunity-supporting habits in our post, “Staying Healthy During Viral Season,” with Dr. Meenu Vaid.

What to Eat with a Sore Throat

Choosing the right foods when your throat is sore does more than just keep you nourished, it can actively reduce inflammation, protect the throat lining, and speed healing. The general rule: soft, moist, lukewarm, and nutrient-dense.

Principles for Eating with a Sore Throat

Best Soft Foods for a Sore Throat

These are your primary go-to foods when swallowing is painful. All are easy to prepare, require minimal chewing, and go down smoothly.

Oatmeal and Cream of Wheat

Warm oatmeal is one of the best soft foods for a sore throat. It’s gentle on the throat, filling, and packed with zinc and beta-glucan, a fiber that supports immune function. Sweeten lightly with honey for extra soothing. Cook until smooth and creamy, then let it cool to a comfortable lukewarm temperature before eating, not piping hot.

Warm Soups and Broths

Chicken soup is a classic for a reason. Research highlighted by the National Institutes of Health suggests chicken soup may have mild anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce upper respiratory symptoms. The warm liquid hydrates, steam opens airways, and the protein supports tissue repair.

Other excellent options:

• Vegetable broth — Low in calories, high in electrolytes
• Bone broth — Rich in collagen and amino acids that support tissue healing
• Miso soup — Contains probiotics from fermented miso paste, which support gut and immune health
• Pureed lentil or carrot soup — Smooth texture, high in vitamins A and C

Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Plain mashed potatoes are easy to swallow and provide complex carbohydrates for energy when your body is fighting an infection. Sweet potatoes offer the added benefit of beta-carotene and vitamin A, which support healthy mucous membranes in the throat. Keep seasoning minimal, no pepper, heavy spices, or excess salt.

Bananas and Soft Fruits

Bananas are one of the most throat-friendly fruits. They are soft, naturally sweet, low in acid, and easy to blend into smoothies. Other gentle fruit options include:

• Ripe melons (cantaloupe, honeydew)
• Canned peaches or pears (in juice, not syrup)
• Avocado – creamy, anti-inflammatory, high in healthy fats

Avoid citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and pineapple, which are acidic and will sting.

Scrambled or Soft-Boiled Eggs

Eggs provide high-quality, complete protein with a soft texture that causes no throat irritation. A single egg contains about 6g of protein, plus zinc and vitamin D, both critical for immune response. Scramble them gently with a little olive oil, or try a soft-boiled egg with the yolk still slightly runny.

Yogurt and Probiotic Foods

Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is smooth, cool, and rich in probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support immune health through the gut-immune axis. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows probiotics may reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory infections. Choose full-fat, unflavored yogurt. Avoid flavored varieties with high sugar content.

Smoothies

Smoothies allow you to pack significant nutrition into a single, easy-to-swallow glass. Build a throat-soothing smoothie with:

• Banana (base)
• Plain Greek yogurt or coconut milk (probiotics/healthy fat)
• Frozen mango or peaches (not citrus)
• A teaspoon of honey
• A pinch of ground ginger
• Optional: soft spinach or cucumber for added micronutrients

Use a straw if swallowing is painful. Drink at a cool, not frozen, temperature.

Soft Pasta and Rice

Plain cooked pasta (penne, elbow, or orzo) and white or brown rice, with a light broth or a mild olive oil coating, slide down smoothly. Avoid tomato-based pasta sauces, which are highly acidic. A simple broth-based pasta or a mild butter sauce works best.

Applesauce and Pudding

Applesauce is soft, mild in flavor, and provides vitamins and fiber. Plain pudding or gelatin (like Jell-O) is also an easy option when you genuinely cannot manage anything else. These are especially helpful for children or elderly patients with sore throats.

Best Healing Foods for a Sore Throat

Beyond soft texture, certain foods have direct anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or immune-boosting properties that make them especially valuable when you’re sick.

Honey

Raw honey is arguably the single best food for a sore throat. Its thick consistency coats and protects the throat lining, its low water content creates an antimicrobial environment, and its antioxidants reduce inflammation. Stir into warm tea (not boiling water, which degrades its compounds), take a spoonful directly, or drizzle over oatmeal.

Ginger

Fresh ginger contains gingerols and shogaols, potent anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce throat swelling and pain. Simmer fresh ginger slices in water for 10 minutes to make ginger tea. Add honey and a squeeze of lemon (if acidity doesn’t bother you). Ginger can also be finely grated into warm broth or yogurt-based smoothies.

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a sulfur compound with well-documented antimicrobial properties. According to research cited by the NIH, allicin may help the body fight viral and bacterial infections. Incorporate garlic into warm broths or lightly sauté it into soft vegetable soups. Avoid raw garlic directly on an inflamed throat, as it can burn.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is rich in collagen, glycine, proline, and glutamine, amino acids and proteins that support the repair of mucous membranes and throat tissue. It also provides easily absorbed electrolytes (sodium, potassium, phosphorus) to replace what you lose through sweating during a fever. Sip it warm throughout the day between meals.

Berries (Blended)

Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with vitamin C and anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress on inflamed tissues. Since whole berries may be difficult to swallow when your throat is painful, blend them into a smooth puree or smoothie.

Milk and Non-Dairy Alternatives

Warm (not hot) milk has a soothing, coating effect on the throat. Many patients find warm milk with honey and a pinch of turmeric (a traditional remedy called “golden milk”) particularly comforting. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, according to NIH research. For dairy-free options, oat milk and coconut milk are equally soothing.

Is Ice Cream Good for a Sore Throat?

This is one of the most-searched questions, and the answer is: yes, in moderation, with some nuance.

The cold temperature of ice cream temporarily numbs the nerve endings in your throat, providing short-term pain relief. The soft, smooth texture also goes down easily without abrasion. That’s why many doctors recommend cold, soft foods during the first 24–48 hours of a sore throat, especially for children.

However, there are trade-offs:

• High sugar content — Sugar can promote inflammation and feed harmful bacteria, which is the opposite of what you want during a throat infection
• Dairy and mucus — While science does not firmly prove dairy increases mucus production, many patients subjectively report feeling more congested after eating dairy. If you notice this effect, opt for dairy-free alternatives
• Cream-based ice cream — Heavy cream is thick and can coat the throat in a way that temporarily increases discomfort once the numbing effect wears off

Better cold alternatives:

• Fruit popsicles made with non-citrus juice (mango, watermelon, or peach)
• Sorbet — Lower in fat, lighter texture, still soothing
• Frozen banana blended smooth — Natural sweetness with no added sugar
• Ice chips or crushed ice — The simplest and most pure option for cold numbing relief

Bottom line: A small amount of plain ice cream or sorbet is fine as an occasional comfort food. It should not replace hydrating, nutrient-dense meals. If your sore throat is from strep bacteria, excess sugar is best avoided.

Is Orange Juice Good for a Sore Throat?

Orange juice is one of the most common instincts when sick, and for good reason. Vitamin C plays a critical role in immune function. According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin C supports the production and function of white blood cells that fight infection.

But here’s the problem: Orange juice is highly acidic (pH around 3.5). When your throat lining is already raw and inflamed, acidic liquid will sting, sometimes significantly, and may further irritate the tissue.

Our recommendation:

• If you want the vitamin C benefit, dilute orange juice 50/50 with water to reduce its acidity
• Better yet, switch to non-citrus vitamin C sources that are much gentler on the throat:
  • Mashed sweet potatoes
  • Pureed red bell pepper (blended into soup)
  • Strawberry or mango smoothies
  • Kiwi blended into a smoothie
• You can also take a vitamin C supplement (500–1,000 mg daily) during illness, per guidance from the CDC on immune health during respiratory illness

Bottom line: Skip straight orange juice when your throat is inflamed. Get your vitamin C from non-acidic food sources or supplements, and return to OJ once the raw inflammation has subsided.

What to Eat with Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. It is diagnosed with a rapid strep test or throat culture, available at both our Sycamore and Elgin offices, and treated with a course of antibiotics, typically penicillin or amoxicillin per CDC treatment guidelines.

While antibiotics address the infection itself, your diet plays a critical role in managing discomfort and supporting recovery.

Dietary Guidelines for Strep Throat

Eat:

• Warm broths and soups — Gentle on the severely inflamed throat that strep typically causes. Bone broth and chicken soup are particularly beneficial for tissue support
• Yogurt with live active cultures — Probiotics help restore healthy gut bacteria disrupted by antibiotic use. This is especially important: every antibiotic course disrupts your gut microbiome, and probiotic-rich yogurt helps counterbalance this effect
• Mashed potatoes and soft-cooked grains — Filling, easy to swallow, good calorie source while your appetite is reduced
• Applesauce — Smooth, mild, easy for children and adults alike
• Honey-sweetened herbal tea — Honey’s antimicrobial properties complement antibiotic treatment
• Scrambled eggs — Complete protein for immune support and tissue repair
• Smoothies — Pack in nutrition without the effort of chewing

Avoid with strep throat:

• Acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes, vinegar-based dressings) — will sting significantly on a strep-inflamed throat
• Spicy foods — capsaicin will aggravate already-raw throat tissue
• Crunchy or hard foods — crackers, toast, chips, raw vegetables
• Sugary foods and drinks — sugar promotes bacterial growth and inflammation
• Alcohol — dehydrates and interferes with antibiotic effectiveness

Important reminder: Even when you begin to feel better (usually 24–48 hours after starting antibiotics), complete the full course of antibiotics. Stopping early is the primary cause of antibiotic resistance. See our related post on Primary Care Services at Advanced Internal Medicine for guidance on managing bacterial infections.

Foods to Avoid with a Sore Throat

Knowing what NOT to eat is just as important as knowing the best foods for a sore throat. The following categories will worsen inflammation, increase pain, or slow your recovery:

Rough, Crunchy, or Sharp-Edged Foods

Crackers, chips, pretzels, granola, raw carrots, raw celery, hard toast, and popcorn all have edges that physically scrape the already inflamed lining of the throat with every swallow. These can cause microabrasions that worsen pain and increase the risk of secondary infection.

Spicy and Heavily Seasoned Foods

Hot sauces, chili peppers, cayenne, wasabi, and heavily spiced foods trigger a burning sensation in inflamed throat tissue. While capsaicin has mild anti-inflammatory properties in other contexts, it is genuinely counterproductive when your throat is already raw and swollen.

Acidic Foods and Drinks

• Citrus fruits and juices (orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, unless heavily diluted)
• Tomato-based sauces, soups, and juices
• Vinegar-based dressings and condiments
• Carbonated sodas (the carbonation creates a stinging sensation on inflamed tissue, and the acidity compounds this)
• Sports drinks like Gatorade (surprisingly acidic, dilute with water or choose a low-acid electrolyte option)

Scalding Hot Foods and Drinks

Extremely hot food or liquid can burn already-sensitive throat tissue and increase swelling. Let all hot drinks cool to a warm, comfortable temperature before consuming. “Lukewarm” is the sweet spot, warm enough to be soothing, not hot enough to cause further damage.

Alcohol and Caffeine

Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, they pull water out of your body, causing dehydration. Staying hydrated is one of the most critical components of sore throat recovery. Coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol all work against this. Replace your morning coffee with herbal tea during recovery.

Very Sugary Foods

High-sugar foods (candy, soda, pastries, sweetened cereals) create an inflammatory environment in the body and can suppress immune function. The CDC emphasizes rest and anti-inflammatory dietary choices as core supportive care for throat infections.

Dry or Sticky Foods

Peanut butter straight from a spoon, thick bread, dry rice cakes, and dried fruit can stick to the throat and be difficult to dislodge when swallowing is painful. If you love peanut butter, thin it into a smoothie rather than eating it straight.

Sample 1-Day Sore Throat Meal Plan

Here is a practical, easy-to-follow full-day eating plan optimized for sore throat recovery:

Meal	What to Eat	Why It Helps
Breakfast	Smooth oatmeal with honey + warm chamomile tea	Zinc, beta-glucan, antimicrobial honey, soothing warmth
Mid-Morning Snack	Plain Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey	Probiotics, protein, throat-coating texture
Lunch	Chicken soup with soft noodles + a glass of water	Anti-inflammatory broth, protein, hydration
Afternoon Snack	Banana-mango smoothie with coconut milk + fresh ginger	Vitamins, anti-inflammatory ginger, easy calories
Dinner	Mashed sweet potato + soft-boiled eggs + warm bone broth	Beta-carotene, complete protein, collagen, electrolytes
Evening	Warm milk with honey and a pinch of turmeric	Curcumin anti-inflammatory effect, soothing coating
Throughout the Day	Herbal teas (ginger, chamomile, licorice root), water, diluted broths	Continuous hydration, throat lubrication

When to See a Doctor for a Sore Throat in Sycamore or Elgin, IL

Home remedies and the right diet are effective for most viral sore throats, which resolve within 5–7 days. However, some sore throats require professional medical evaluation and treatment.

See your doctor promptly if you experience:

• Sore throat lasting longer than 7–10 days without improvement
• Fever of 101°F or higher that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication
• White spots, pus, or swollen patches on the tonsils (classic strep sign)
• Severe difficulty swallowing or inability to swallow saliva
• Drooling combined with throat pain (may indicate peritonsillar abscess)
• Difficulty breathing or a muffled voice
• A skin rash appearing alongside a sore throat (scarlet fever)
• Recurrent sore throats (3 or more per year), may indicate tonsillitis or chronic post-nasal drip
• Sore throat in a child under 3 years old, always warrants a physician visit

At Advanced Internal Medicine, we offer:

• Rapid strep tests and throat cultures, results in minutes
• Comprehensive Primary Care for all ages
• Preventive Care & Wellness visits to keep your immune system strong year-round
• Telemedicine appointments for patients who prefer to consult from home
• Women’s Health and Men’s Health services, including immune health assessments

Our physicians are board-certified in Internal Medicine and see patients at our two convenient Northern Illinois locations:

• Sycamore, IL: 2540 Hauser Ross Dr — Call 815-754-4900
• Elgin, IL: 2371 Bowes Rd — Call 847-742-2600

New patient appointments are available within 48 hours.

Sore Throat Not Going Away?

Request an appointment with Advanced Internal Medicine to find out what is causing your sore throat and get the right treatment.

Book an Appointment 847-742-2600 (Elgin, IL) 815-754-4900 (Sycamore, IL)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s good for a sore throat?

The most effective relief comes from a combination of approaches: warm saltwater gargles (½ tsp salt in 8 oz warm water), raw honey stirred into herbal tea, throat lozenges with menthol or benzocaine, adequate rest, and continuous hydration with water and non-caffeinated teas. For bacterial sore throats (strep), antibiotics prescribed by your physician are required.

2. What to eat with a sore throat?

The best foods to eat with a sore throat are soft, smooth, lukewarm, and nutrient-dense: chicken soup, warm bone broth, oatmeal with honey, plain Greek yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed sweet potatoes, soft-cooked pasta with mild broth, banana-based smoothies, and applesauce. These foods go down easily without aggravating inflamed tissue and provide the nutrients your immune system needs.

3. Is ice cream good for a sore throat?

Ice cream’s cold temperature temporarily numbs throat pain, and its smooth texture causes no irritation, so a small amount is fine for short-term relief. However, its high sugar content can promote inflammation, and dairy may increase mucus production in some people. Better cold alternatives include fruit popsicles, non-citrus sorbet, or frozen banana smoothies.

4. Does ice cream help a sore throat?

Yes, momentarily. The cold provides numbing relief, and the smooth texture doesn’t scrape the throat. It is best used as an occasional comfort food rather than a primary treatment. Opt for low-sugar sorbet or dairy-free frozen treats when possible for a better overall effect.

5. Is orange juice good for a sore throat?

Not directly. While orange juice provides vitamin C that supports immune function, its high acidity (pH ~3.5) stings inflamed throat tissue. During active soreness, get your vitamin C from gentler sources: mashed sweet potatoes, strawberry or mango smoothies, or a vitamin C supplement. Return to orange juice once acute inflammation has subsided.

6. What to eat with strep throat?

For strep throat, stick to soft, non-acidic, non-spicy foods: warm broths, oatmeal, yogurt (especially important during antibiotic treatment to restore gut bacteria), mashed potatoes, applesauce, scrambled eggs, and honey tea. Avoid all acidic, spicy, crunchy, and sugary foods. Complete your full course of antibiotics as prescribed.

7. What are the best soft foods for a sore throat?

The best soft foods for a sore throat include: oatmeal, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, scrambled or soft-boiled eggs, plain yogurt, chicken soup or bone broth, soft-cooked pasta, applesauce, banana-based smoothies, ripe banana and melon, and warm pudding or gelatin. All share the key traits of smooth texture, gentle flavoring, and ease of swallowing.

8. What foods should I avoid with a sore throat?

Avoid: crunchy, rough foods (chips, crackers, raw vegetables, popcorn); spicy and heavily seasoned dishes; acidic foods and drinks (citrus juice, tomato sauce, soda); scalding-hot beverages; alcohol; caffeine; and high-sugar foods. All of these either physically abrade the throat lining or chemically irritate already-inflamed tissue.

9. How long does a sore throat typically last?

Most viral sore throats resolve within 5–7 days with rest, hydration, and supportive home care. Bacterial sore throats (strep) typically improve within 24–48 hours of starting antibiotics but require a full 10-day antibiotic course. If symptoms persist beyond 10 days or worsen significantly at any point, contact Advanced Internal Medicine for an evaluation.

10. Can I get a strep test at Advanced Internal Medicine?

Yes. Both our Sycamore and Elgin locations offer rapid strep tests and throat cultures with same-day results. If you have a fever, white patches on the tonsils, or a sore throat that isn’t improving after several days, call us to schedule a same-day or next-day appointment. New patients are seen within 48 hours.

Related Reading from Advanced Internal Medicine

Looking for more health and wellness guidance? Explore these related resources from our blog:

• Stay Healthy During the Viral Season: Tips from Dr. Meenu Vaid – Expert tips from our board-certified physician on preventing and managing viral illnesses, including sore throats
• Are Ear Infections Contagious? Risks, Signs, and When to Seek Help – Ear and throat infections often occur together; learn the signs that require a doctor’s visit
• Spring Allergy Season in Illinois: When to See Your Doctor vs. OTC Treatments – Allergy-related post-nasal drip is a leading cause of recurring sore throats in Sycamore and Elgin
• 10 Foods That Naturally Lower Blood Pressure Quickly – More dietary guidance from our internal medicine team
• Top Ten Worst Foods for High Cholesterol – Understanding how food choices impact your overall health and immunity

Final Thoughts

Understanding what’s good for a sore throat goes far beyond a single remedy. True, fast relief comes from combining the right home strategies, saltwater gargles, honey, herbal teas, proper humidification, and rest, with smart dietary choices that reduce inflammation, support immune function, and keep your throat tissues lubricated and protected.

To recap the key takeaways:

• Best foods for a sore throat: Chicken soup and warm broths, oatmeal with honey, plain Greek yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed sweet potatoes, banana smoothies, bone broth, and soft-cooked pasta
• Best healing ingredients: Honey, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and probiotic-rich yogurt
• Ice cream: Fine in small amounts for temporary cold numbing, choose low-sugar sorbet or dairy-free popsicles for a better option
• Orange juice: Skip it during acute inflammation; the acidity stings raw tissue. Get vitamin C from smoothies or supplements instead
• With strep throat: Follow the same soft food guidelines, take your full antibiotic course, and add probiotic yogurt to restore gut bacteria
• Foods to avoid: Crunchy, spicy, acidic, scalding hot, or heavily sugary foods and drinks will worsen your symptoms and slow recovery

Most importantly, know when home care is enough and when it’s time to see a physician. If your sore throat is severe, accompanied by high fever, white patches, or lasts more than a week, our team at Advanced Internal Medicine is here to help with fast, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Schedule Your Appointment at Advanced Internal Medicine

Don’t let a sore throat linger. Whether you need a rapid strep test, a throat culture, a prescription, or simply professional guidance on managing your symptoms, our board-certified internal medicine physicians are ready to help, usually within 48 hours of your call.