Know Everything About Viral Infection in The Throat

An infection in the throat due to the viruses entering through the mouth is known as viral infection. The effect of viral infection lasts as long as the virus stays in the body. Usually, viral infections can stay from several days to 2 weeks. These infections are more serious in adults. Read everything about viral infection below-

Causes of Viral Infection in the Throat

As the name suggests, a viral infection in the throat is mainly due to a viral invasion. Some viruses that can cause infection in the throat are as follows-

• Viruses that cause flu and cold
• Coxsackievirus which is responsible for painful throat infection known as herpangina
• Virus due to which “Mononucleosis” develops

Symptoms of Viral Infection in the Throat

Depending on the type of viral infection, the symptoms a person experiences with throat infection can vary.

Symptoms Due To Flu are-

• Soreness in the throat
• Cough
• Fever
• - Muscle aches

Symptoms Due To Cold are-

• Soreness in the throat
• Runny nose
• Cough
• White bumps on the tonsils
• Mild soreness along with swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck

Symptoms Due to Herpangina are-

• Soreness in the throat
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the stomach, neck, arms, and legs
• Sores on the throat, tongue or roof of the mouth that are painful

Symptoms of Infectious Mononucleosis are-

• Fever
• Feeling fatigued for a very long time more than 1 week
• Swelling of the tonsils
• White patches on the tonsils and throat
• On the roof of the mouth, there are red spots
• Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck
• Red rashes on the chest or whole body

Diagnosis of Viral Infection in the Throat

Sometimes it becomes difficult to differentiate between a bacterial infection and viral infection in the throat. When there is a bacterial infection such as Strep throat , it can become difficult to eat anything. Doctors can make the proper diagnosis after checking the patient physically and reviewing the symptoms. For confirming the diagnosis, they can take a throat swab.

Treatment of Viral Infection in the Throat

The treatment of a viral infection in the throat is similar to that of a common cold. As antibiotics are ineffective in treating viral infections, the healthcare provider will prescribe pain relievers.

- Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are generally prescribed for getting relief from sore throat.

Home Remedies for Viral Infection in the Throat

You can try some home remedies to feel better when you have a viral infection in the throat that is causing painful symptoms.

• Gargle with saltwater
• Take ice chips, popsicles or medicated lozenges
• Breath clean and moist air with a clean humidifier
• Frequently sip on warm beverages and drink lots of fluids
• Take honey to get relief from sore throat. However, don’t give honey to children who are below 1 year of age.
• Do not smoke or breathe secondhand smoke.
• If you have a fever, take aspirin or acetaminophen to curb it. Make sure you don’t give aspirin to children as these are blood thinners.
• Take over-the-counter medicines only after talking to your doctor
• For symptoms of diarrhea, drink clear liquids such as water, juice, tea throughout the day.
• Eat soft food such as cooked rice, khichdi, mashed potatoes, etc.
• - Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and dairy products or even spicy food for a couple of days.

Prevention of Viral Infection in the Throat

• Viruses can spread from one person to another very easily. Hence, try these preventive measures to contain the spread.
• Until the symptoms are completely gone, do not come in contact with others.
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing the nose, wash your hands.
• After using tissues for coughing or sneezing, throw them in the dust bin immediately.
• Before touching the food or food-related items such as dishes, glasses or napkins wash your hands.
• Keep the infected person’s utensils separate.
• Keep the infected person’s toiletries and towels separately.