Viral Throat Infections
If you have a sore throat, the most likely culprit of your symptoms is a virus. Unlike strep throat, which is caused by bacteria, most sore throats are contagious viral throat infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics. The most common culprits of a viral throat infection include coxsackievirus, mononucleosis, and the flu. Mononucleosis (mono) is a virus that lasts for quite some time, causing symptoms that last for weeks or months. The flu can also take some time to get over, as its severe symptoms also tend to last at least a week or more. Viral throat infections are best treated with rest, liquids and other home remedies. If the sore throat causes you to have trouble breathing or a high fever, or results in spots in the back of your throat, call your doctor.
Recently Answered
- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with tonsillitis?
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When your youngster has tonsillitis, the sore throat and difficulty swallowing will make it hard for them to eat or drink. Encourage your child to rest as much as possible while they are getting over tonsillitis. Making sure that you follow your doctor's... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to a doctor about my child's tonsillitis symptoms?
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Some tonsillitis symptoms, such as a fever and sore throat, are similar to other common illnesses like a cold. Other symptoms, like a stomachache or headache, might not be so obvious. If your child has had a severe sore throat lasting more than a couple... Full Answer
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- Q What causes croup?
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In most cases, croup is caused by a parainfluenza virus. This kind of virus is contagious and can be transferred from person to person through the air or by handling objects that have come in contact with the virus. Less commonly, croup can be caused by... Full Answer
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- Q What causes peritonsillar abscess?
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Peritonsillar abscess is one of the most common throat infections. It is usually caused by a type of bacteria called Group A streptococcus. The infection is a complication of tonsillitis, or inflammation of the throat. Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect peritonsillar abscess?
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Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of other illnesses, such as tonsillitis. Tonsillitis may lead to peritonsillar abscess in part of the throat adjacent to the tonsils. This is a result of the Group A streptococcus bacteria, which may be treated... Full Answer
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- Q What is tonsillitis?
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Tonsillitis, which occurs mostly in children, is a swelling of the tonsils caused by infection. Located at the back of the throat, the tonsils are two elongated lymph nodes that sit one on each side of the throat. When they become infected, either from a... Full Answer
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- Q Is croup life-threatening?
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In most cases, croup is not life-threatening. If you think your child has croup, you should discuss the symptoms with your child's doctor to determine the severity of the illness. Croup is usually relatively mild and can be treated at home.... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for peritonsillar abscess?
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The best cure for peritonsillar abscess is to prevent the infection. This includes making sure that tonsillitis is effectively treated, as peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. Peritonsillar abscess usually clears up with... Full Answer
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- Q Is tonsillitis a viral throat infection?
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Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the two sack-like tissues on either side of the back of the throat (tonsils). Tonsillitis may be caused by viral throat infection or by a bacterium like streptococcus, which causes strep throat. The tonsils'... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for viral throat infection?
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No medical cure is available for viral throat infections. However, your immune system typically fights off the virus and builds immunity to it. Viral infections are not usually serious with most viruses. Most people will experience little more than a... Full Answer
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