What happens if you have a sore throat for 3 days?

Sore throats, also known as pharyngitis, can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic, lingering on until their underlying cause is addressed. Most sore throats are the result of common viruses and resolve on their own within 3 to 10 days. Sore throats caused by a bacterial infection or allergies may last longer.
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What should I do if I have a sore throat for 3 days?

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, you should see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated conditions: A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week.
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Is my sore throat Covid?

If you have just a sore throat with no other symptoms, it's less likely to be COVID-19. But with other symptoms, it is possible you have COVID. Sore throat, cough, fever – I would be worried about COVID. “Having just an isolated sore throat.
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How long is too long for a sore throat to last?

A sore throat can happen for many reasons, ranging from a common cold to mono, herpes, or HIV infections. Symptoms usually go away after a few days. People should see a doctor if a sore throat lasts 6 days or more, or they have a fever or other symptoms.
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Why will my sore throat not go away?

If you're experiencing a prolonged sore throat and are unable to find relief, it's possible you may have an infection like tonsillitis. Most often, tonsillitis is diagnosed in children, but people can get it at any age. Tonsillitis can be caused by bacterial infections or viruses.
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What Causes a Sore Throat? HOME Remedies and Cures for Fast TREATMENT| Doctor Explains



What cures a sore throat instantly?

16 Best Sore Throat Remedies to Make You Feel Better Fast, According to Doctors
  1. Gargle with salt water—but steer clear of apple cider vinegar. ...
  2. Drink extra-cold liquids. ...
  3. Suck on an ice pop. ...
  4. Fight dry air with a humidifier. ...
  5. Skip acidic foods. ...
  6. Swallow antacids. ...
  7. Sip herbal teas. ...
  8. Coat and soothe your throat with honey.
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What to do if it hurts to swallow?

The best remedies include:
  1. Take over-the-counter pain medicine. This includes brand names such as Tylenol, Motrin, and Aleve. ...
  2. Gargle with warm salt water. ...
  3. Suck on an over-the-counter throat lozenge. ...
  4. Eat a popsicle.
  5. Use a humidifier in your bedroom. ...
  6. Drink liquids to keep your throat from getting dry.
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What does sore throat look like?

Take a Good Look

You might see white dots or patches in the back of your throat. Your tonsils -- the bumps on either side at the back of your throat -- might be red and swollen, too. These could be signs of bacterial infection like strep throat or oral thrush, or a viral infection like oral herpes or mononucleosis.
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What do I eat for a sore throat?

10 Foods to Eat When You Have a Sore Throat
  • Chicken soup. Your grandma was right—chicken soup really does help fight colds and infection. ...
  • Honey. Honey is another ingredient that gets a lot of buzz (pun intended) for its medicinal benefits. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Mashed potatoes. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Oatmeal. ...
  • Ginger. ...
  • Jell-O.
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Why do I have a sore throat but not sick?

Insider's takeaway. Occasionally, sore throat without fever can indicate an underlying health issue, like reflux, allergies, or post nasal drip. Other times, it can be from a more serious infection like an STI that requires medical treatment.
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When do Covid symptoms start?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: Fever or chills.
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Can you get COVID-19 twice?

Yes, you can get COVID-19 more than once. “We're seeing more reinfections now than during the start of the pandemic, which is not necessarily surprising,” Dr. Esper says. He breaks down the reasons behind reinfection.
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What does a COVID cough feel like?

Believe it or not, COVID coughs do have qualities that set them apart from an average cough: Dry Cough – It sounds like someone's hacking up a lung. It carries a consistent, rough tone because it doesn't contain mucus. Persistent Cough – It's a painful loop.
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Why is sore throat worse at night?

Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down. As a result, a sore throat may worsen at night or first thing in the morning. Exposure to certain allergens at night may also worsen postnasal drip and sore throat.
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Can you have COVID without a fever?

A fever is one of the common symptoms of COVID-19, but you can be infected with the coronavirus and have a cough or other symptoms with no fever, or a very low-grade one — especially in the first few days. Keep in mind that it is also possible to have the coronavirus with minimal symptoms or even no symptoms at all.
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Is cold water good for sore throat?

A drainage of mucus, called post-nasal drip, is another common cause of sore throats. Drinking very cold ice water or sucking on something cold may seem counterintuitive, but cold can numb the throat. But don't choose cold orange juice or other acid-based liquids; they will only intensify the pain.
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What irritates a sore throat?

Irritants. Outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat.
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Can I drink Sprite with a sore throat?

Avoid stuff like alcohol, caffeine, very spicy foods and acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus). They are all potential irritants that should temporarily be avoided when dealing with a sore throat, De Santis, says.
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Should I stay home with a sore throat?

Any time your throat hurts due to infection, stay away from people. You may spread the illness. However, you may have a sore throat for another reason. In these cases, you're safe around other people, as your sore throat is not contagious.
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Is lemon good for sore throat?

Similar to salt water and honey, lemons are great for sore throats because they can help break up mucus and provide pain relief. What's more, lemons are packed with vitamin C which can help to boost the immune system and give it more power to fight off your infection.
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Why does it hurt when I swallow?

Viral or Sinus Infection

The most common cause for painful swallowing is a virus like a cold, the flu, or mono. Sinus infections could also be the blame. The pain in your throat is likely caused by either inflamed tonsils, coughing, or irritation from sinus drip.
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Does it hurt to swallow with COVID?

COVID can cause a sore throat, laryngitis and a cough, and some patients may have needed a ventilator with a breathing tube passing through the voice-box, which can cause an injury. Your voice may be weak and breathy or hoarse.
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Is hot chocolate good for a sore throat?

Chocolate Brings Relief for a Sore Throat & Dry Cough!

The chocolate works similarly to honey in the way it desensitizes aggravated nerves in the throat. Hot chocolate made from dark cacao is also very effective.
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Do I need to go to the doctor for sore throat?

In most cases, your sore throat will improve with at-home treatment. However, it's time to see your doctor if a severe sore throat and a fever over 101 degrees lasts longer than one to two days; you have difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids; or a red rash appears.
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