Sore Throat Causes
- Most sore throats are caused by viruses, like ones that cause a cold or the flu
- Some sore throats, like strep throat, are caused by bacteria; strep throat is caused by Group Astreptococcus(strep-tuh-KOK-us).
- Other causes include:
- Allergies
- Dry air
- Pollution (airborne chemicals or irritants)
- Smoking or exposure to second hand smoke
Signs and Symptoms of a Viral Infection Accompanied by a Sore Throat
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Watery eyes
- Mild headache
- Mild body aches
- Runny nose
- Low-grade fever (less than 102°F)
See a Healthcare Provider if You or Your Child has:
- A sore throat that lasts longer than 1 week
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Excessive drooling (young children)
- Temperature higher than 100.4° F
- Pus on the back of the throat
- Rash
- Hoarseness lasting longer than 2 weeks
- Blood in saliva or phlegm
- Symptoms of dehydration (dry, sticky mouth, sleepiness or tiredness, thirst, decreased urination or fewer wet diapers, few or no tears when crying, muscle weakness, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness)
- Contact with someone with strep throat
- Recurring sore throats
Your healthcare provider can determine the cause of a sore throat and if treatment is needed. If your child is younger than three months of age and has a fever, it's important to always call your healthcare provider right away.
Antibiotics are Needed When...
Antibiotics are needed if a healthcare provider diagnoses you or your child with strep throat, which is caused by bacteria. Strep throat cannot be diagnosed by looking in the throat - a lab test must also be done. Antibiotics are prescribed for strep throat for the purpose of preventing rheumatic fever. If the test result shows strep throat, the infected patient should stay home from work, school, or day care until 24 hours after starting an antibiotic.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)