Difference between sore throat and throat infection?

I have had a sore throat for about a week now. I thought it was just from yelling so much, but it's being quite persistent now... Anyway without going to the Drs, is there a way to tell if it's "just" a sore throat of if it's something a bit more, like an infection.

And what can I do to help ease it?

Thanks x

Not getting better is one way to tell. Also it can depend on what other sorts of symptoms you had when it started etc. I think the dr either has a look (sometimes they can see redness or pus) or listens to the story and makes a judgement call.

Gargling with 1/2-1 teaspoon of salt in warmish water 3 or 4 times a day can help. So can warm tea/herbal/hot water with manuka honey in it. Also, strangely enough, sometimes the problem is with your sinus area, so if it's sore a bit higher up, then saline nasal sprays/rinses can help.

Thanks! Funny you mention sinuses actually... My sinuses have been playing up for months and the Dr put me on a script nasal spray (which I must get my refill!) and then Friday just gone my hay fever started playing up. I've also had a slight annoying cough since sat/sun too.

I can't afford to go to the Drs, they don't bulk bill (No exceptions) and DP doesn't get paid until Saturday, which means I can't get into a Dr until Monday.

I have been drinking a cup of tea morning and night which does help, will add a bit of honey to it.

It's driving me nuts, my nose is sore too (which I figured is the hay fever) My head feels like it's going to explode :lol:

Thanks again. Will have to keep plodding along.