What is a viral sore throat? A viral sore throat is an infection of the throat caused by a virus.
How does it occur? A viral sore throat occurs when a virus attacks the throat area. Many different viruses can cause a sore throat, including:
What are the symptoms? The symptoms will vary slightly depending on which type of virus you have.
The symptoms of flu virus infections can include:
The symptoms of infection with a cold virus can include:
The symptoms of herpangina can include:
The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis can include:
How is it diagnosed? It is often hard to tell whether a sore throat is caused by a virus or by strep bacteria. In general, the main symptom of strep throat is a severe sore throat with trouble swallowing. Other possible symptoms of strep are fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, white spots on the tonsils, and
sometimes headache. On the other hand, sneezing, a runny nose, and nasal congestion are common symptoms of infections by a virus, including those that cause sore throats.
To diagnose a viral sore throat, your health care provider will review your symptoms and examine you. He or she may also take a throat swab to check for strep throat. Many offices and clinics now have very accurate rapid throat swab tests that allow diagnosis of strep within a few minutes or a few hours.
If your provider suspects mononucleosis, a blood test may also be done.
How is it treated? The treatment of a viral sore throat is similar to that of the common cold. Your health care provider will usually not prescribe antibiotics. You can use analgesics to relieve minor pain. The treatment consists of gargling with warm water. Some people feel more relief with warm, salty water. Avoid contact with others until the symptoms are gone. Get plenty of bed rest or otherwise limit activity until the fever is gone.
Other possible treatment depends on the type of virus causing the infection.
How long will the effects last? The effects will last as long as the virus affects the body. Most viral infections last from several days to 2 weeks. Mononucleosis may last longer.
How can I take care of myself? To help take care of yourself, take the full course of treatment your health care provider prescribes.
For a sore throat: Drink chicken soup, cold drinks, and other clear, nutritious liquids. If it is painful to eat, don't eat solid food. When you can eat, eat healthy foods. Do not smoke cigarettes or breathe secondhand smoke. Gargle with warm saltwater (1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of water) as often as is comfortable. Suck on hard lozenges or candy. Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen according to the directions on the package. Limit activities, especially those requiring talking.
If you have a fever: Ask your health care provider if you can take aspirin or acetaminophen to control your fever. Anyone under age 21 with a viral illness should not take aspirin because of the increased risk of Reye's syndrome.
If you have diarrhea: Drink clear liquids such as water, juice, tea, and bouillon often during the day. Reduce your normal activities until the diarrhea has stopped. If you are nauseated, suck on ice chips. When you feel better, eat cooked cereal, rice, applesauce, baked potato, and toast. You may also have carbonated drinks. Two or three days later, return to normal eating. Avoid alcohol, milk products, and highly seasoned and spicy foods for several more days.
Call your health care provider if:
How can I prevent spread of viral sore throat?
If you have been diagnosed with a viral sore throat:
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