Throat infections tend to begin with a sore throat. Most sore throats are caused by viral or bacterial infections such as a cold (viral) or a Streptococcus infection (bacterial). Generally they run their course in a few days to a week. However it is important to assess what type of infection you are dealing with from the onset.
Bacterial infections that can cause a sore throat include:
- Strep throat, which is caused by a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus
- Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory tract infection