Causes

The following viruses are most likely to cause a sore throat:

• Rhinovirus
• Coronavirus
• Adenovirus
• Herpes simplex virus
• Parainfluenza virus
• Influenza virus
• Respiratory syncytial virus

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of getting viral pharyngitis include:

• Age: children
• Cigarette smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
• Living or working in crowded places such as:
  • Daycares
  • Schools
  • Military bases
• Diabetes
• Lowered immunity due to:
  • Excess fatigue
  • Poor eating habits
  • Poor hygiene
  • Recent illness

Symptoms

Symptoms of viral pharyngitis include:

• Sore, red, swollen throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck and behind the ears

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Most viral sore throats are diagnosed based on the symptoms and an examination of the throat. Sometimes, the throat will be swabbed to make sure that the sore throat isn't due to a strep infection. Strep infections require treatment with antibiotics.

Treatment

There are no treatments to cure a viral sore throat. Most cases of viral pharyngitis heal naturally within about one week.

Treatments to relieve symptoms include:

Prevention

To reduce your chance of getting a viral sore throat:

• Practice good hygiene, including careful hand washing.
• Don't share food or beverages with other people.
• Avoid areas where people are smoking.

Viral sore throat is diagnosed when a sore throat is present and strep is considered unlikely. Even in the absence of strep, some types of sore throats need further tests or treatment.

Be sure to seek care if your sore throat is worsening. Call your doctor if you have new or serious symptoms, especially difficulty breathing, weakness, chills, or a sore throat that lasts longer than you or your doctor expect.

Revision Information

• Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD
• Review Date: 09/2012 -
• Update Date: 03/12/2013 -