Sore throat (pharyngitis) is pain or irritation in the throat, often worse when swallowing, usually caused by a viral infection (cold, flu) but sometimes bacteria (strep throat).
Most viral cases resolve in a week with rest, fluids (warm tea with honey), saltwater gargles, and OTC pain relievers, but bacterial strep requires antibiotics.
Bacterial infections
Many bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. The most common bacterium that causes a sore throat is Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus. This bacterium causes strep throat and other illnesses.
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