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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffThe dry scratchiness and painful swallowing that are the hallmarks of a sore throat can make you miserable. A sore throat — known medically as pharyngitis — is most often caused by a viral infection such as a cold or the flu (influenza). In many cases, a sore throat is the first sign that you're getting sick.
Sore throats are so common they're one of the main reasons people see a doctor. But many of those office visits aren't needed. In most cases, a sore throat is caused by a virus that soon goes away on its own. A sore throat is rarely caused by a bacterial infection that requires medical care or treatment with antibiotics. Until you're feeling better, over-the-counter medications and home treatments can help ease your symptoms.
