Six Illnesses That Start With a Sore Throat

Both viral and bacterial infections can lead to a sore throat. A sore throat caused by a viral infection will go away on its own, with time. However, pain when swallowing may be indicative of a bacterial infection you’ll need medication to treat. Six illnesses that start with a sore throat include:

1. Common Cold
2. Laryngitis
3. Mononucleosis
4. Strep Throat
5. Influenza (flu)
6. COVID-19

If you’re experiencing a raw, scratchy feeling in your throat, or it hurts for you to swallow, you may have one of these illnesses. Read on to learn more about why these illnesses cause a sore throat, along with common medications that may help to alleviate your discomfort.

Why does a cold cause a sore throat?

The most common cause of a sore throat is the common cold. The common cold causes a sore throat for some because the virus causes inflammation of membranes in your nose and throat. For others, postnasal drip from a cold can lead to hoarseness and a sore throat. Other symptoms of a cold include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal/sinus congestion
• Postnasal drip

On average, colds last about a week and resolve on their own. If you’re uncomfortable with the symptoms of a cold, use an RxSaver coupon to save on over-the-counter cold medication.

Why does laryngitis cause a sore throat?

Laryngitis is caused by a virus that attacks the larynx (voicebox) and the vocal cords. As a result, they become inflamed and make your throat sore. Other symptoms of laryngitis include:

• Hoarseness
• Changes in your voice
• Total loss of voice

Laryngitis most often resolves within a week without the need for medication. To soothe a sore throat caused by laryngitis, rest your voice by reducing talking, drink plenty of fluids, and consider using a humidifier in your home.

Why does mono cause a sore throat?

Infectious mononucleosis, commonly referred to as “mono,” is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mono causes a sore throat because it can cause swelling of the tonsils and lymph nodes. A sore throat caused by mono may last for several weeks. Unfortunately, because mono is a viral infection, it won’t respond to medications such as antibiotics. Other symptoms of mono may include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Skin rash

The symptoms of mono can take weeks to go away. However, you can reduce the pain from a sore throat, or fever with over-the-counter pain relievers. While you recover be sure to drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy diet, and get lots of rest.

Why does strep throat cause a sore throat?

Strep throat is a specific type of sore throat caused by streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Even though strep throat is considered a mild infection by the CDC, it can cause a very sore throat. The pain is due to an infection in your throat which may spread to your tonsils. Swollen lymph nodes may also contribute to the pain. Other symptoms of strep throat may include:

• Body ache
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash
• Red spots in the back of the throat

Strep throat can be quickly diagnosed with a throat swab. If strep throat is confirmed, antibiotic treatment will begin immediately.

Antibiotics to Treat Strep Throat

Since strep throat is caused by bacteria, it can be successfully treated with commonly prescribed antibiotics.

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Why does the flu cause a sore throat?

[The flu][1] is a viral respiratory infection. It attacks your nose, throat, and lungs. The flu can cause a sore throat by inflaming the tissues of the pharynx. A cough caused by the flu can also contribute to a sore throat. Other symptoms of the flu may include:

- Body aches

- Chills, cold sweats

- Congestion

- Cough

- Fatigue

- Fever

- Headache

- Weakness

Medications to Treat the Flu

The flu is a viral infection, so it cannot be treated with antibiotics. However, the duration and severity of flu symptoms can be reduced with medications.

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Why does COVID-19 cause a sore throat?

The CDC includes sore throat as a symptom of COVID-19. The coronavirus is a respiratory virus, which means that it enters your body through inhaling the virus. As a novel virus, there is still much to learn about COVID-19. However, it is believed that early replication of the virus in the nose and throat may lead to a sore throat. Other symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

• Congestion
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever, chills
• Headache
• Loss of smell
• Loss of taste
• Muscle or body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Runny nose

There are currently no prescriptions or over-the-counter medications available to treat coronavirus. Remdesivir is the only FDA approved medication to treat coronavirus. It is only available and administered to those hospitalized with COVID-19.

When To See a Doctor About Symptoms

If you have a sore throat that doesn’t get better on its own in a few days, you should schedule a telehealth or an in-person appointment with your health care provider. You should also report simultaneous symptoms, such as fever, cough, fatigue, headaches, loss of smell, etc.
During the coronavirus pandemic, if you come down with a sore throat, you should self-isolate from others, until you are certain you do not have COVID-19.

Amoxicillin: 500 mg / 30 capsules

Azithromycin: 250 mg / 6 tablets

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Cephalexin: 500 mg / 30 capsules

Cefuroxime Axetil: 500 mg / 30 tablets

Clarithromycin: 500 mg / 30 tablets

Clindamycin: 300 mg / 30 capsules

Penicillin V Potassium: 500 mg / 30 tablets

Tamiflu: 30 mg / 5 capsules

Xofluza: 40 mg / 2 tablets

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