We now offer same-day PCR Covid testing. Test today and receive results the same day. In fact, a sore throat is one of the top reasons people miss work and school. And though sore throats are rarely a medical emergency, going away with rest and over-the-counter OTC medications, they can be a sign of a more serious illness. Keep reading to learn why ignoring a sore throat is never a good idea. Anything that irritates your throat can make it sore, including:.
7 Reasons You're Waking Up With a Sore Throat When You're Not Sick
Scarlet fever - NHS
Is it painful to swallow? Or is your throat scratchy? A virus may be causing your sore throat. Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria. These bacteria are called group A Streptococcus also called Streptococcus pyogenes. A sore throat can make it painful to swallow.
Back to Health A to Z. Sore throats are common and not usually serious. Most people will have at least 2 or 3 every year. Children and teenagers are more likely to get sore throats than adults.
A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat pharyngitis is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own. Strep throat streptococcal infection , a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Other less common causes of sore throat might require more complex treatment.