Sore throats are very common and are usually not serious. They can get better by themselves, usually within a week.

Sore throats are usually caused by viruses and are common when suffering with a cold or flu like symptoms. Soreness of the throat may be the only symptoms, however it could also be accompanied by a croaky voice, a cough, high temperature, headache, tiredness, swollen glands and pain when swallowing.

Sometimes the sore throat may develop into a more severe bacterial infection called tonsillitis. The symptoms are similar but more severe, with fever, generally feeling unwell and white pus filled spots on the tonsils.