A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is normally a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, such as the common cold. In around a third of cases, no cause for the sore throat can be found.
Other symptoms may accompany the sore throat, such as:
- a runny nose
- a headache
- muscle aches
- a cough
How common are sore throats?
Sore throats are common. Most people have at least two or three every year. They are more common among children and teenagers. This is because young people have not built up immunity (resistance) against many of the viruses and bacteria that can cause sore throats.
Outlook
Most sore throats are not serious and pass within three to seven days without the need for medical treatment. After a week, 85% of people will find that their symptoms have been resolved.
Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, can usually relieve the symptoms of a sore throat without the need to see a GP.
A sore throat can develop into a more serious infection if you:
- have a weakened immune system (the body’s defence system), for example because of HIV and AIDS
- take certain medications, such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs, used to treat arthritis)
These people should contact their GP for further advice. See Sore throat - symptoms for a full list of people who may be at risk of a more serious infection.
Arthritis
A common condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) in the joints and bones.
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.
Immune system
The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
