If you have a sore throat with white deposits on your tonsils, no cough, and a fever, you may have pharyngitis. It is important to assess the risk of bacterial pharyngitis before deciding whether to see a doctor. You can use a scoring system to determine if a doctor's visit is necessary. If the score is high, antibiotics may be needed. If the score is low, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Advil, along with cold foods, can help manage symptoms as the viral infection runs its course.