Viral Throat Infections: Symptoms and Treatment

Image credit: verywellhealth.com

What is a viral throat infection?

A viral throat infection is an infection of the throat or pharynx, that is caused by viruses. Viruses are different from bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes (which causes "strep throat"). Viral infections are the most common cause of sore throats and colds in children and adults, often affecting the voice.

What are the symptoms of a viral throat infection?

Sore throat: The most common symptom of a viral throat infection is a sore throat. A sore throat caused by a viral throat infection usually develops gradually and will typically last for two to seven days. A sudden onset sore throat suggests a different cause such as a bacterial throat infection.

What is a throat infection – pharyngitis or a bacterial infection?

A throat infection, sometimes called pharyngitis, can be either a bacterial or viral infection. It leads to inflammation of the tissues in the throat and causes redness, pain, and swelling of the structures in the throat. Your throat, or pharynx, is the tube-like structure that carries food to the esophagus and air to your windpipe.

How do doctors know if a throat infection is viral or bacterial?

Doctors recognize a throat infection by viewing the throat. However, because viral infections and bacterial infections often cause the same appearance in the throat, it is difficult for doctors to know whether the cause is a viral or bacterial infection just by looking at the throat.

What Is Viral Throat Infections

1. https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/viral-throat-infection
2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sore-throat
3. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/ear-nose-and-throat/throat-infection
4. https://www.medicinenet.com/how_do_i_know_my_sore_throat_is_viral_or_bacterial/article.htm
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8274-sore-throat-pharyngitis
6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324144
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635
8. https://www.healthline.com/health/sore-throat
9. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/mouth-and-throat-disorders/throat-infection

Viral Throat Infections Information

1. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/respiratory-viruses.aspx
2. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/quick-facts-ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/mouth-and-throat-disorders/throat-infections