Common Sore Throat
The throat is the first line of defence for the body against infections and commonly becomes inflamed. Two thirds of cases are caused by viruses unresponsive to antibiotics (more likely if there are cold symptoms). Common sore throats can last for up to a week. Fever can persist for between three and nine days.

Treatment
Simple treatments are often sufficient, eg paracetamol (or aspirin in adults, unless prone to indigestion), anaesthetic lozenges (eg Merocets), sprays or gargles (eg Chloroseptic) and cool fluids.
Contact the doctor if there are general symptoms causing concern eg high fever, vomiting or if the symptoms go on for longer than a week.

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