The most common cause is a viral upper respiratory infection — sore throat with a runny nose, cough, or hoarseness is almost always viral and improves in 3–5 days with rest, fluids, and salt-water gargles.
Sore throat WITHOUT cough, plus fever and swollen glands? That pattern raises suspicion for strep, which a 5-minute rapid test settles. A weeks-long sore throat with severe fatigue in a teen or young adult can suggest mono. Morning-dominant soreness points to reflux or dry air; seasonal itchy-throat patterns suggest allergies.
See a provider for severe pain, trouble swallowing or breathing, fever over 101°F, or symptoms beyond a week. We can sort it out in one visit.
