Question 1

how long should sore throat last if it's viral

Accepted Answer

5-7 days: 5-7 days. If it lasts longer, see ENT doc; it may be bacterial and require antibiotics.

Question 2

how long is viral sore throat contagious to others?

Accepted Answer

1 to 2 weeks: A viral pharyngitis lasts an average of one to two weeks,  i believe the virus may be viable during that time and therefore, you should not cough or get close to children or adults who are healthy.  A pediatrician or an infectious disease specialist are the 2 specialties  in medicine that would be most knowledgeable to answer this type of question.

Question 3

how long do you think is a viral sore throat contagious?

Accepted Answer

Cheer up: You were probably most contagious just before you got sick, so the virus could spread before you went to bed. If you have a fever, wait until it's normal for 24 hours. Otherwise, when you feel better your body has won, made antibodies, and you shouldn't be able to pass it on. There is no firm rule since lots of viruses cause sore throats.

Question 4

how long does it typically take to get over a viral infection that causes a sore throat?

Accepted Answer

Depends: A viral URI can last from 3-12 days, depending upon the organism and your state of health.  Some may develop a delayed coughing interval as the sore throat heals.  The common cold is so named because it is common - hopefully that is all you have had to deal with.

Question 5

how long can a viral sore throat and cough last? received steroid shot and have had for about 5 days. when to go back to doctor?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Now if you have mono sometimes this can last several weeks. Granted you have already been tested for strep you will not need antibiotics. I would see your doctor after the steroids for a recheck if still uncomfortable. Good luck

Question 6

my son 1yr who had sore  throat since 4days was on azithromycin *3days.now he is febril, 101.6 is it normal? no other symptoms, how long viral inf last?

Accepted Answer

Fever on Abx: Hello, a sore throat may be a tonsillitis that is resistant to the azithromycin. Since this antibiotic has been so widely used, bacteria have become resistant to this medication. I would recommend you follow up with your doctor. An abscess could also be forming if your child's symptoms are worsening on an antibiotic.

Question 7

having mild itchy throat with clear mucous and cough when i talk a lot or sing after a viral uri that included symptoms of runny nose and sore throat. its almost 4 weeks now all symptoms gone except cough when i talk a lot how long will this last?

Accepted Answer

: Hi: 
It is not uncommon to have a lingering cough, I've seen it last as long as 6 to 8 weeks.  However, if you have fever, trouble breathing, colored/increased/thickened sputum with the cough, you should see a doctor to rule out pneumonia.

Question 8

how can i know if i have a viral or bacterial sore throat?

Accepted Answer

STREP test/culture: For significantly sore throat w swollen tonsils / lymph nodes – see physician &amp; get a strep throat test &amp; culture. Antibiotics are imperative for Strep Throat.  Try saltwater gargles. Mix tsp of salt in 8 oz of warm water – gargle w this several times/day. You can gargle w Aloe Vera juice a couple of times per day. A mix of chamomile tea w honey &amp; a small amt of lemon juice helps.

Question 9

7 days of severe body aches and a slight sore throat. viral most likely? worsens as day goes on. thank you

Accepted Answer

Most likely however,: there are exceptions.  This is what makes medicine challenging.  If I were to go with the odds, most often your symptoms are due to a virus.  However it also depends on if you have fever, or other symptoms, and your level of "illness". Some patients with "severe body aches" walk into my clinic and look fairly well, others may be in a wheelchair. If it continues, or worsens see your Dr to be safe!

Question 10

i've had a severe sore throat for about 4 days. it's so painful that i can barely swallow. should i go to the dr, or is it likely just viral?

Accepted Answer

Physician: This may be either viral or bacterial.  Copious warm saline gargles will most likely help as will a topical anesthetic for symptomatic pain relief.  Persistent or progressive symptoms warrant an evaluation, possibly a culture and possibly antibiotics.

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Doctor answers about:

Viral sore throat duration

A member asked:

How long should sore throat last if it's viral

A member asked:

How long is viral sore throat contagious to others?

A member asked:

How long do you think is a viral sore throat contagious?

A member asked:

How long does it typically take to get over a viral infection that causes a sore throat?

A member asked:

How long can a viral sore throat and cough last? received steroid shot and have had for about 5 days. when to go back to doctor?

A member asked:

My son 1yr who had sore throat since 4days was on azithromycin *3days.now he is febril, 101.6 is it normal? no other symptoms, how long viral inf last?

A member asked:

Having mild itchy throat with clear mucous and cough when i talk a lot or sing after a viral uri that included symptoms of runny nose and sore throat. its almost 4 weeks now all symptoms gone except cough when i talk a lot how long will this last?

A member asked:

How can i know if i have a viral or bacterial sore throat?

A member asked:

7 days of severe body aches and a slight sore throat. viral most likely? worsens as day goes on. thank you

A member asked:

I've had a severe sore throat for about 4 days. it's so painful that i can barely swallow. should i go to the dr, or is it likely just viral?

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