RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
ChildrenSore throat
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Arrange GP review if symptoms have not started improving after 1 week, or if sore throats keep returning.
- Get urgent advice today if pain makes drinking difficult, there are signs of dehydration, fever is high or persistent, or symptoms worsen quickly.
- Get earlier advice for weakened immune defences or a child under 5 who needs help with a sore throat.
- A child with a sore throat lasting more than 3 days who also has a high temperature and is generally unwell needs GP assessment.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- Contact your GP when the surgery is open. If it is closed, you cannot get the help you need, or you are unsure what to do, call NHS 111. You can call even if you are not sure whether the symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- Difficulty breathing or a high-pitched noise when breathing in.
- Being unable to swallow fluids or saliva, or drooling because swallowing is not possible.
- Rapidly increasing swelling inside the mouth, throat or neck.
- A severe sore throat that is rapidly worsening, with difficulty speaking or opening the mouth.
- Severe difficulty breathing, pauses in breathing, grunting, or the skin pulling in deeply under or between the ribs.
- Being very difficult to wake or unresponsive.
- Being unusually floppy, confused or not responding as usual.
- Blue, grey, very pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
