Is it painful to swallow? Or is your throat scratchy? A virus may be causing your sore throat. Show Most sore throats, except for strep throat, do not need antibiotics. CausesCauses of sore throat include:
Of these, infections from viruses are the most common cause of sore throats. Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria. These bacteria are called group A Streptococcus (also called Streptococcus pyogenes). Symptoms of Sore ThroatA sore throat can make it painful to swallow. A sore throat can also feel dry and scratchy. Sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat, the common cold, allergies, or other upper respiratory tract illness. Sore throat caused by a virus or the bacteria called group A Streptococcus can have similar symptoms. Sometimes the following symptoms suggest a virus is causing the illness instead of Strep throat:
Symptoms of Strep ThroatThe most common symptoms of strep throat include:
Sometimes someone with strep throat also has a rash known as scarlet fever (also called scarlatina). When to Seek Medical CareTalk to your doctor if you or your child have symptoms of sore throat. They may need to test you or your child for strep throat. Also see a doctor if you or your child have any of the following:
This list is not all-inclusive. Please see your doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning. See a doctor if symptoms do not improve within a few days or get worse. Tell your doctor if you or your child have recurrent sore throats. TreatmentA doctor will determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical examination. Sometimes they will also swab your throat. A virus causes the most common type of sore throat and is not strep throat.
A healthy throat and a sore throat, including uvula and tongue, showing inflamed tonsils. baby icon Talk to a healthcare professional right away if your child is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher. Since bacteria cause strep throat, antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and prevent rheumatic fever and other complications. A doctor cannot tell if someone has strep throat just by looking in the throat. If your doctor thinks you might have strep throat, they can test you to determine if it is causing your illness. Anyone with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they no longer have fever AND have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours. If a virus causes a sore throat, antibiotics will not help. Most sore throats will get better on their own within one week. Your doctor may prescribe other medicine or give you tips to help you feel better. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems. These problems can include severe allergic reactions, antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff infection. C. diff causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death. How to Feel BetterSome ways you can feel better when you have a sore throat:
Over-the-Counter Medicine and ChildrenCarefully read and follow instructions on over-the-counter medicine product labels before giving medicines to children. Some over-the-counter medicines are not recommended for children of certain ages.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size. Also, tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are taking. PreventionYou can help prevent sore throats by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including:
Is having a sore throat being sick?A sore throat is often a symptom of: colds or flu – you may also have a blocked or runny nose, a cough, a high temperature (fever), a headache and general aches. laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box) – you may also have a hoarse voice, a dry cough and a constant need to clear your throat.
Does Covid start with a sore throat?Yes, one of the possible symptoms of COVID-19 is a sore throat. Other common symptoms include fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache and sudden loss of taste or smell.
Is it okay to have a sore throat?“Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor.”
Does a sore throat always lead to a cold?A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold. However, a sore throat from a cold often gets better or goes away after the first day or two. Other cold symptoms such as a runny nose and congestion may follow the sore throat.
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