Understanding Sore Throat from Viral or Bacterial Infection

Sore throats are usually caused by an infection¹; either viral or bacterial. Around 80 percent of all sore throats are caused by a viral infection and just 20% by a bacterial infection².

Facts About Viral and Bacterial Infections³

• The pharynx is exposed to thousands of infectious viruses circulating in the air that we breathe
• Typical viruses include rhinovirus, flu virus, corona virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• The most common bacterial cause in severe or recurring sore throats are group A Streptococci (GAS, 15-30% of cases); this is more common in children and babies

When we breathe in viruses and bacteria, they can penetrate the protective mucus barrier and infect the pharyngeal mucus. The pathogens then multiply and damage the throat tissue, leading to inflammation and a sore throat. This inflammation causes the throat and pharyngeal cavity to appear red and become constricted and irritated.

Viral vs. Bacterial infection: Know the Difference

Sore throats caused by viral and bacterial infections share many common symptoms, so it can be difficult to determine the cause, and therefore the treatment. Most sore throats (80%) are caused by viruses and do get better by themselves within 3 to 5 days.

The most common symptoms of sore throats caused by viral and bacterial infections are:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Prickly sensation in the throat
• Dry throat
• The sensation of a lump in the throat
• Swollen lymph nodes (these can be felt in the hollow between the neck and jawbone)

Unfortunately, you cannot diagnose a bacterial infection by yourself. To find out if you have a bacterial infection, speak to your doctor.

Particular care should be taken with children between the ages of 3 and 14, as statistics indicate that they are more likely to have a bacterial infection.

To distinguish between a bacterial or viral infection, your doctor can perform a rapid test that involves swabbing the throat. This will help determine the best course of treatment.

Treating Viral and Bacterial Throat Infections⁴

Treating a viral infection

Viral infections are mainly fought by the body’s own immune system. This means that only the symptoms can be treated. Rest and home remedies, such as infusions, hot compresses, and topical treatments such as throat lozenges and sprays are helpful in treating a viral throat infection. Antiseptic products will also help fight the germs.

Strepsils has a wide range of products to help relieve and treat the symptoms of a sore throat. At the first sign of a sore throat, we recommend Strepsils Sore Throat and Cough lozenges as it provides antiseptic action and helps with pain relief.

If your throat is extremely painful and inflamed Strepsils lozenges can help relieve the pain and the inflammation. Strepsils lozenges are anti-inflammatory, offer pain relief and reduce swelling.

Treating a bacterial infection

Mild bacterial infections can be treated in the same way as the body’s own immune system can usually fight the bacteria by itself.

In more serious cases, doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics (medication developed specifically to fight bacteria). Rely on the doctor’s good judgement and do not demand antibiotics. If you have been prescribed a course of antibiotics use them responsibly by completing the course.

Inappropriate use of antibiotics promotes the development of bacterial resistance and potentially multi-resistant organisms (such as MRSA).

Preventing Sore Throats⁵

There are steps you can take to strengthen your immune system and reduce the chance of getting a sore throat:

• Eat a balanced diet with a variety of fruit and vegetables (at least five servings a day)
• Get a good night’s sleep – most people need between 7 and 9 hours
• Exercise regularly, preferably outdoors
• Try to avoid stress or develop ways of managing your stress
• Don’t smoke - actively or passively
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat lubricated
• When indoors; avoid draughts and air-conditioned environments when possible, and use a humidifier

Sources:

¹ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sore-throat/

² Ebell MH, et al. JAMA 2000;284:2912–8

³ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/sore-throat#treating-a-sore-throat

⁴ https://www.healthline.com/health/sore-throat

⁵ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/sore-throat#treating-a-sore-throat

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