Respiratory and throat infections: symptoms and GP advice
Sore throat, flu-like illness, sinus symptoms and chesty coughs can overlap. Learn what may be causing your symptoms, when testing can help, and when a GP appointment is the safest next step.
Many respiratory and throat infections are viral and improve with self-care, but some symptoms need testing or medical assessment. A GP can review the pattern of symptoms, examine you where needed, and advise whether antibiotics, symptom relief, further tests or urgent care may be appropriate.
Use the related pages below for more detail on cold and flu symptoms, tonsillitis, sinusitis, glandular fever and chest infections. If you already know you need a same-day test, see DocTap respiratory testing options.
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Symptoms and common causes
Cold, flu, sore throat, sinus and chest infection symptoms can overlap. A cold usually builds gradually and mainly affects the nose and throat. Flu tends to come on suddenly and can cause fever, body aches and exhaustion.
Most sore throats are viral, but some are caused by Strep A. Painful swallowing, fever, swollen glands, white patches or swollen tonsils can make a Strep A test or GP review useful.
A chesty cough, mucus, fever, wheeze or tight chest can be viral or bacterial. A CRP test can help show inflammation, but breathlessness, chest pain or higher-risk symptoms should be assessed by a GP.
Sinusitis often follows a cold and can cause facial pressure, blocked nose, thick mucus and reduced smell. Glandular fever can cause a severe sore throat, swollen glands, fever and marked tiredness.
Tests and appointment options
Testing is most useful when it changes what happens next. This might mean confirming flu or RSV, checking for Strep A, or using CRP to help judge whether antibiotics are likely to help a chest infection.
Appointment options that may help:
- Respiratory panel: checks flu A, flu B and RSV from one nasal swab.
- Strep A test: rapid throat swab for a common bacterial cause of sore throats.
- Strep A test + GP appointment: Strep A swab plus GP examination and treatment advice.
- Chest infection test: rapid CRP blood test.
- Chest infection test + GP appointment: CRP test plus GP chest examination and treatment advice.
- GP consultation: best if symptoms are severe, unclear or not getting better.
See tests and prices on the cold, flu, sore throat and chest infection testing page.
Treatment, GP advice and urgent symptoms
Many respiratory and throat infections are viral, which means antibiotics will not help. Bacterial infections are less common, but may need antibiotics when symptoms, examination and test results support it.
Book a GP if symptoms are severe, unclear, getting worse, not improving as expected, or you are higher risk because of age, pregnancy, heart or lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or a weakened immune system.
Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, sudden chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, difficulty swallowing fluids, neck stiffness, swelling around the eye, or if you feel seriously unwell.
If you are not sure which infection or test fits your symptoms, book a GP consultation. A DocTap GP can examine you and advise on the best next step.
Frequently asked questions
- What symptoms of throat infections can you help with?
We can help if you have a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen glands, fever, or white patches on your tonsils.
- Can you perform tests for respiratory infections?
Yes. Depending on your symptoms, the GP may order tests such as throat swabs, blood tests, or chest X-rays to confirm the diagnosis.
- Can DocTap prescribe antibiotics or other medications?
Yes. We can prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected, as well as pain relief or other supportive treatments.
- Can you treat throat infections?
Yes. We can diagnose and treat many common throat infections, including tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and strep throat.
- Can you prescribe antibiotics for throat infections?
Yes. If a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected, DocTap can prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.
- Which tests do you offer for throat infections?
The GP may perform a throat swab to check for bacterial infections like strep throat.
- Can you treat respiratory tract infections?
Yes. We can diagnose and treat many common respiratory infections, including colds, flu, bronchitis, sinus infections, and throat infections.