In many cases, a sore throat clears up on its own with at-home care and over-the-counter treatments. However, there are situations that warrant a visit to the doctor’s office, including cases that cause excessive pain or last longer than 10 days. It is also important to monitor symptoms that might indicate a more serious condition requiring antibiotics, such as strep throat. These symptoms include: -  fever -  chills -  swollen lymph nodes in the neck -  rash -  body aches -  headache -  nausea or vomiting -  white/red spots on the back of the throat, somewhat resembling a strawberry   A sore throat may also indicate tonsillitis, which is inflammation of the tonsils; it may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other symptoms of tonsillitis may include: -  swollen tonsils that look red -  tonsils coated with white or yellow pus -  pain when swallowing -  swollen lymph nodes in the neck -  fever -  bad breath -  headache -  stiff neck -  stomach pain Tonsillitis is most common in children ranging from preschool age to high school, making it a common ailment treated in pediatric clinics.   While sore throats caused by a viral infection typically improve on their own within a week, some causes require professional treatment, particularly if they present any of the following symptoms: -  severe sore throat -  trouble swallowing -  trouble breathing, or pain when breathing -  difficulty opening mouth -  sore joints -  fever higher than 101ºF -  painful or stiff neck -  earache -  blood in saliva or phlegm -  sore throat lasts over a week