Sore throats and oral ulcers

Abstract

Most sore throats presenting in the pharmacy will be viral in origin, with only about one in ten being due to a bacterial infection. It is not possible to tell the difference between a viral and bacterial throat infection without performing a throat swab and culture. Sore throats are often associated with other symptoms of a cold. In many cases, a sore throat is the first indication that a person is getting sick. Streptococcal (bacterial) throat infections, however, are more likely in children and require antibiotic therapy. Nonetheless, most sore throats are self-limiting and usually go away within a few days without any treatment.