The main symptom is a sore throat.

Other symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Joint pain and muscle aches
• Skin rashes
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Many germs can cause a sore throat.

• Viruses are the most common cause of sore throats. Many different viruses can cause a sore throat.  
• Bacteria that can cause a sore throat include Group A streptococcus, which leads to strep throat in some cases. Other, less-common bacteria that cause sore throats include corynebacterium, arcanobacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Most cases of sore throats occur during the colder months. The illness often spreads among family members.

Meadowbrook Urgent Care staff will perform a physical exam and look at your throat.

Tests to rule out strep throat may be done. Additional laboratory tests may be done depending on the suspected cause.

Most cases of pharyngitis go away on their own without complications.

Complications of sore throats may include:

• Blockage of the airway (in severe cases)
• Sore (abscess) around the tonsils or behind the pharynx

Call us if:

• You develop a sore throat that does not go away after several days
• You have a high fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, or a rash

Seek immediate medical care if you have a sore throat and trouble breathing.