Virtual ER · 24/7 Emergency Telemedicine & Virtual Urgent Care
24/7 Online Sore Throat, Strep Throat & Tonsillitis Treatment.
A throat that hurts every time you swallow makes eating, sleeping and getting through the day harder. A video visit can help you discuss the likely next step, including whether you need a strep test.
Video visits · Open 24/7 · Board-certified MDs & NPs · Backed by Bellaire ER
For chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, or major bleeding, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
| Specific Presentation | Symptoms Evaluated on Video | Video Treatment & Local E-Prescribing Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Strep Throat & Acute Bacterial Pharyngitis | Severe sore throat, painful swallowing, tonsillar exudates, tender neck nodes, fever | Centor criteria video exam + oral antibiotic e-Rx or rapid strep swab coordination |
| Acute Tonsillitis & Peritonsillar Triage | Swollen red tonsils, throat pain, muffled voice screening, painful swallowing | Airway/abscess red-flag check + anti-inflammatory steroid or antibiotic e-Rx |
| Acute Laryngitis, Hoarseness & Croupy Cough | Loss of voice, raspy vocal cords, barking cough, throat irritation | Vocal cord inflammation management, oral steroid taper when indicated, stridor check |
| Swollen Lymph Nodes (Cervical Lymphadenitis) & Mono Triage | Tender neck glands, fatigue, prolonged sore throat, post-viral lymph swelling | Targeted video exam + bacterial lymphadenitis treatment or mononucleosis lab referral |
| Oral Thrush (Candidiasis), Canker Sores & Mouth Ulcers | White plaques on tongue/cheeks (post-antibiotic/inhaler) or painful aphthous ulcers | Nystatin swish-and-swallow, clotrimazole troches, or viscous lidocaine/triamcinolone paste e-Rx |
| Acute Toothache & Dental Infection Bridge Care | Localized tooth/gum pain, mild gum swelling while awaiting morning dentist appointment | Airway/deep space infection check + oral antibiotic (amoxicillin/clindamycin) & chlorhexidine rinse e-Rx (no narcotics) |
What to tell us about your symptoms
A sore throat may come with a cough, runny nose, fever or swollen glands. Viral infections are common, but symptoms can have other causes.
What the video visit can help with
Tell the clinician how long your throat has hurt, whether you can drink comfortably and whether you have had a fever or a known exposure. Our physicians and nurse practitioners can review the history and talk through the right level of care.
When an examination or testing may be needed
A throat’s appearance on camera cannot reliably confirm strep. A rapid test or throat culture may be needed. Ask what testing is appropriate and how its result would affect treatment.
Discussing treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Antibiotics are used for confirmed strep in appropriate cases, not for an ordinary viral sore throat. Your clinician can explain symptom care and prescribe when medically appropriate.
When to get care in person
Get urgent in-person help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow, drooling or significant swelling. Do not wait for a routine video visit when swallowing or breathing is becoming difficult.
Before your visit
Keep a drink nearby and note your temperature, symptom start date and any medication allergies. You do not need to diagnose your own throat before requesting care.
Verified Clinical Team · Backed by Our 24/7 Physical Emergency Room
Meet the Physicians & Nurse Practitioners Behind Your Care
Every video visit is conducted by our licensed physicians, physician assistants, and emergency nurse practitioners from Bellaire ER — combining 24/7 telemedicine convenience with the clinical depth of a real emergency department.
Backed by Our Brick-and-Mortar 24/7 Emergency Room & CT Imaging Suite
Unlike app-only telehealth directories, Virtual ER is operated by our licensed 24/7 freestanding emergency center at 5306 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401 — equipped with on-site CT, digital X-ray, ultrasound, and STAT laboratory suites.
Meet all 15 physicians & nurse practitioners on our team →
Questions about this care
Can strep throat be diagnosed over video?
Video can support an assessment, but a strep diagnosis may require a throat test. The visit helps determine whether that is your next step.
Your next step
Let’s talk about getting you care.
Start with a video visit. Your clinician can help you understand what can be addressed online and what needs care in person.
Sources and service information
Testing for strep throat or scarlet fever
Virtual ER public service overview
Information updated October 3, 2026. General information does not replace your own clinical evaluation.