Ive had a virus recently and my neck has been sore. that has now resolved, except that the middle part of my throat on the outside, seems very tender and agitated and is making me cough lots. what could it be?

If you had an upper respiratory tract infection( head cold) a dry,hacking cough could be due to some involvement of the trachea. I recommend taking a cough syrup with a cough suppressant which your pharmacist can recommend. If your cough becomes severe with copious discolored sputum or if there's associated fever,chills,wheezing,breathing difficulties,chest pain, see your MD.