A sore throat is when the back of your throat feels scratchy, irritated, or painful, often making it uncomfortable to swallow.

Common Symptoms

• Pain or scratchiness in the throat
• Trouble or discomfort swallowing
• Redness or swelling in the throat
• Sometimes, swollen glands in the neck
• Occasionally accompanied by a cough, runny nose, or mild fever

Tip: Most sore throats are mild and improve on their own, but see a healthcare provider if it’s severe, lasts more than a few days,  comes with high fever or difficulty breathing, or if you think it may be related to a bacterial infection:

Streptococcal bacteriopharyngitis, commonly called strep throat, is a throat infection caused by bacteria. It can make your throat very sore and sometimes lead to other symptoms like fever.

Common Symptoms

• Suddenly, severe sore throat
• Painful swallowing
• Red and swollen throat, sometimes with white patches or spots
• Fever
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Headache, fatigue, or body aches in some cases

Key Points

• Strep throat is caused by bacteria, so it may require antibiotics to get better and prevent complications.
• It’s contagious, so good hygiene, like handwashing and avoiding sharing utensils, helps prevent spreading.
• See a healthcare provider if you have severe throat pain, high fever, or difficulty swallowing.