Can viruses cause throat infections?
Yes. In fact, viruses are the most common cause of throat infections in children and in adults. Many types of viruses are known to cause throat infection, and their symptoms may be difficult to distinguish them from a bacterial infection. Throat infections caused by viruses usually occur in non-winter months. For viral infections, generally no antibiotic is needed (unless the infection becomes complicated by a subsequent bacterial infection). Most infections can be expected to run a four-to-six day course. During this period, the child or other infected individuals can be treated with lots of fluids, rest, and “feel better” medicines that reduce pain and/or fever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, Liquiprin, etc.) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.). It is important to note that these measures do not treat the viral infection and only provide some relief of the symptoms. Can bacteria cause throat infection? Bacterial causes of throat infections (tonsillopharyngitis) can require fu
