Understanding Sore Throat and Cold: Causes & When to Worry

Sore throat and cold symptoms often occur together because many of the same viruses that cause the common cold can also cause a sore throat. Sore throat is a common symptom of the common cold, especially if the cold is caused by a virus. Other common symptoms of the common cold include:

- Runny nose

- Sneezing

- Congestion

- Coughing

- Fatigue

In some cases, a sore throat may also be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as:

- Strep throat

- Influenza (flu)

- Mononucleosis

- Bacterial tonsillitis

- Laryngitis

- Epiglottitis

- Peritonsillar abscess

If your sore throat is severe or does not improve within a few days, you should consult your doctor, as it could be caused by a more serious condition that requires treatment.