Prepare for a sore-throat call.
Note when throat symptoms began, whether they are changing, any cough or runny nose, measured fever or rash, difficulty drinking fluids, swallowing, breathing or voice changes, and any medicine allergies.
Examination and testing limits.
An online request cannot confirm the cause of a sore throat or decide whether an examination or testing is needed. A doctor may recommend an in-person assessment or another care setting after review.
Know when not to wait.
Call 911 or seek emergency care for severe trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, swelling affecting the airway, or another possible emergency.
Common questions about sore throat.
How can a doctor help with a sore throat?
After review, a doctor may discuss the concern and next steps, or recommend an in-person assessment or another care setting when that is safer or more appropriate.
What should I prepare for a sore-throat call?
Keep the symptom timeline, any measured fever or rash, changes in swallowing or breathing, relevant medicines or allergies, and your questions ready for the clinical conversation.
Can an online request confirm strep throat?
No. An online request does not confirm strep throat or replace an examination or laboratory test. A clinician decides whether assessment, testing, or another care setting is appropriate. Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, airway swelling, or another possible emergency.
When might an examination or testing be needed?
An online request cannot confirm the cause of a sore throat or decide whether testing is needed. MyHealth Alberta notes that a clinician may use an examination or throat test after assessment. If you are unsure where to go, contact an appropriate in-person healthcare professional or care setting for individual guidance. Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, airway swelling, or another possible emergency.
Can this guide tell me whether I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
No. Sore throats can have different causes, and antibiotics do not help viral infections. MyHealth Alberta says that a clinician may examine and test for strep throat, which is treated with antibiotics. A clinician decides the appropriate assessment and next step for an individual concern; an online request does not diagnose strep or promise testing or a prescription.
I searched for tonsillitis or swollen tonsils. Can this guide tell me what I have?
No. Those search terms can describe a throat concern, but this guide cannot identify the cause, confirm tonsillitis or strep throat, or decide whether testing, antibiotics, or another care setting is needed. A clinician decides the appropriate next step after assessment. Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, airway swelling, or another possible emergency.
Non-emergency phone appointment
Book your visit now.
For a non-emergency concern, Book your visit now, select an offered phone slot, complete registration there, and follow Ava’s appointment status and instructions. A clinician decides the appropriate next care setting.