The unpleasant, scratchy feeling that you sometimes get in your throat is most often caused by a virus and strikes when you have a cold or the flu. Viral sore throats usually occur with a stuffy, runny nose; sneezing; and body aches and pains. Unlike bacterial sore throats — such as strep throat — viral sore throats cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Tips for Self-Care

For a mild sore throat, try these self-care strategies:

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Drink liquids. Gargling with warm salt water may help.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Suck on throat lozenges or frozen desserts.

Signs that Should Arouse More Concern

If your sore throat is severe and lasts longer than 10 days — or comes with the following symptoms — be sure to see your doctor:

• White patches on your tonsils or in the back of your throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
• Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening your mouth
• Earache

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