Most sore throats are caused by colds, the flu, coxsackie virus or mono (mononucleosis). Bacteria that can cause pharyngitis in some cases: 1  Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus.  Less commonly, bacterial diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause sore throat.
Do you need a doctor's referral for an appointment? Some specialty areas at Mayo require a doctor's referral, and some do not. Most insurance plans require a referral from a plan doctor in order to get access to Mayo Clinic. You should check with your insurance company or your doctor prior to seeking care at Mayo.
How To Go to a Walk-in Clinic. Standard Podcast [ 0.01 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download. If you have a medical emergency in an English-speaking country, call 112, 999 or 911 (or the emergency number of the country you are in), or go to a hospital emergency room (ER) . The ER may have a very long wait.