What is a sore throat?
Feb 22, 2023
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- Sore throat, also known as “pharyngitis” is a common condition, particularly in winter.
- Symptoms can include soreness when swallowing, a hoarse voice and tender lymph nodes (glands) in the neck area. Sometimes people also experience tiredness, nausea (feeling sick), a fever, mild headache, a runny nose or a cough.
- In most cases (around 90%), a virus is the cause, and the sore throat gets better after a few days.
- But in 10% or so of cases, a bacterial (streptococcal) infection may be present, and an antibiotic may be needed.
- A doctor can help to decide if antibiotics are necessary, by going through a careful assessment.
