Throat Infections

This guide is not meant to serve as a tool for diagnosis, if you think you have infection on the throat, it's best to consult with your medical healthcare provider.

An infection in the throat is where germs invade the throat or pharynx area, often causing pain.² Depending on the germs causing a throat infection, they usually get there through either breathing them in, or touching an infected surface and then the face area.^1,3 In most cases, throat infection symptoms will usually resolve after a few days, but medical advice should be sought if the symptoms are getting worse, you are worried, or if you are experiencing any of the following:¹

• muffled voice
• snoring-type or grinding sounds
• tightening of the jaw
• drooling
• neck swelling
• severe neck pain
• pain on one side of the throat only
• difficulty breathing

What does a throat infection look like? Compared with a normal throat, throat infection symptoms usually result in inflammation of the lining of the throat, including the tonsils.² Inflammation typically results in redness, warmness, pain, finding it hard to swallow and swelling of the tonsils in some cases.^4,5

A sore throat can be due to a viral or bacterial infection, and both can present similar symptoms.¹ The more common viruses which can cause an infection on the throat include rhinoviruses (common cold) and influenza viruses (causes the flu).^1,6 There are also certain types of bacteria that can cause a sore throat, and to determine the difference between bacterial or viral infections, a doctor will usually take a swab.^1,7

Common causes of throat infection include viruses responsible for the common cold, flu or sometimes bacteria.¹ Here we’ll dive a little deeper into some of these germs to understand more.

Common Cold

The common cold is one of the most common diseases in humans, with adults getting anywhere from two to five colds each year, and kids up to ten colds annually.⁶ They are usually caused by rhinoviruses and when someone is infected, they may develop symptoms such as sneezing, coughing or sore throat.^1,2 As part of a common cold infection, the invading virus can also result in an infection on the throat causing inflammation, swelling and soreness.^2,5 Colds are usually spread when an infected person sneezes, coughs or touches a common surface with infected hands.⁸ Personal hygiene and protection including hand washing, social distancing, covering coughs and sneezes as well as wearing masks, are some of the best ways to prevent the spread of colds.^3,8-10

Flu

The flu is caused by influenza viruses and can present similar symptoms to the cold as well as fever, tiredness, weakness, and loss of appetite.⁶ The flu can also cause an infection on the throat or inflammation.^1,6

Like rhinoviruses, influenza viruses can also be spread through air droplets, direct contact or indirectly via contact with contaminated surfaces.³ Prevention is best achieved through vaccination, personal protection, and hand washing.^3,11

Bacterial throat infections

Bacterial throat infections are less common than viruses, but occur from time to time.¹ Symptoms of bacterial throat infections can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, tonsil excretion, stuffy nose and even a rash.¹ Their spread is usually through direct contact between individuals, as well as droplets via coughing, sneezing or talking.¹² Covering the mouth, hand washing and isolating are good ways to protect yourself and others.¹²

The only way to know the true cause of an infection on the throat is to see a doctor. They will usually take a swab for testing and can advise on the most appropriate treatment.^1,7,12

Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice.

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