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Sore throat is a very common symptom of viral infection, often as part of a cold or flu.
It can also be the first warning sign of childhood illnesses such as measles, mumps and chicken pox. Laringytis, where the larynx or voice-box becomes inflamed, and glandular fever are also associated with a sore throat, as is oral candidiasis or thrush . In all these cases of viral infection, your best bet is to treat the symptoms of sore throat and wait for the infection to clear up by itself. Occasionally sore throat will indicate a bacterial infection such as tonsillitis or strep throat, and your doctor may prescribe antibiotics . Mouth ulcers can also make the throat sore.