What are the signs and symptoms of a sore throat?

Viral sore throats

If your child has a sore throat caused by a cold or flu virus, they will usually have other symptoms such as a runny nose and cough.

If your teenager’s sore throat is caused by glandular fever (Epstein Barr virus), they will usually also have enlarged tonsils and enlarged glands in their neck and often fever and tiredness.

Strep throat

Children with strep throat will often also have:

- a fever (greater than 38.5 degrees Celsius)

- swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches

- swollen or tender glands in their neck

and may:

- complain of headache and stomach pain

Strep throat can not be diagnosed on symptoms and signs alone; a swab of the throat is needed if strep throat is suspected. Glandular fever also can not be diagnosed without a blood test.