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Can Viral Infections Cause Sore And Inflamed Throat?
Question: My 20 yo son has a sore throat. Left side is a ball with tiny "holes" as he calls it -- maybe like little ulcers. tonsils on both sides are red but left is the painful side. No fever or pus. He's just had low energy, eating soup and drinking tea. He went to CVS care clinic, cultured him and sent him home with OTC remedies. I'm a critical care nurse not an NP or ED RN. I'm thinking its just a viral infection? His girlfriend got Amoxicillin for her sore throat... Hummm... Your thoughts? I'm thinking viral since no fever or pus.
Brief Answer:
As you stated, viral is more common
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, as you stated, a viral infection is most likely.
Viral infections of the throat are far more common than bacterial infection and the absence of pus or high persistent fever makes a bacterial infection less likely.
In the case of a viral throat infection, symptoms tend to last 3 to 5 days in most persons.
The use of pain medication, both oral and topical, if needed, would be helpful. Topical pain meds would include covonia or chloroseptic or diflam.
Oral anti-inflammatory pain meds may work best for pain relief.
He should feel gradual pain relief over the next few days but if he does develop a fever or the pain worsens then he may need to be re-evaluated.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
As you stated, viral is more common
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, as you stated, a viral infection is most likely.
Viral infections of the throat are far more common than bacterial infection and the absence of pus or high persistent fever makes a bacterial infection less likely.
In the case of a viral throat infection, symptoms tend to last 3 to 5 days in most persons.
The use of pain medication, both oral and topical, if needed, would be helpful. Topical pain meds would include covonia or chloroseptic or diflam.
Oral anti-inflammatory pain meds may work best for pain relief.
He should feel gradual pain relief over the next few days but if he does develop a fever or the pain worsens then he may need to be re-evaluated.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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