A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is typically a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, such as influenza or a common cold. It may be accompanied by discomfort, pain, or inability to swallow.
A sore throat may be accompanied by swollen or tender lymph glands (in your neck). Other common symptoms that can accompany a sore throat, particularly if it is due to bacteria or a virus, include the following:
If your sore throat presents with a fever, it is recommended that you investigate the cause because you could have a more serious underlying condition, such as:
It is often the case that no cause for a sore throat can be found. Often it’s a symptom of a bacterial infection, such as the common cold, virus-like influenza, or tonsillitis.
The most common bacterial and viral causes of a sore throat include:
Other bacteria and viruses are responsible for far fewer cases (less than 5%) of sore throat, including A and B type flu viruses, adenovirus (which causes eye infection conjunctivitis), herpes simplex virus type 1 (cold sore virus), Epstein Barr virus (EBV) which causes glandular fever and mononucleosis (also called mono).
It is recommended that you make an appointment to see a doctor if your sore throat is severe, does not go away after a few days, or if you have regularly occurring sore throats or an underlying condition affecting the immune system.
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