A sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of a cold. It can range from mild discomfort to more severe pain, making it difficult to swallow or speak. While this symptom can be frustrating, understanding how long a sore throat typically lasts during a cold can help ease concerns and guide you toward proper treatment. In this blog, we’ll explore the duration of a cold-related sore throat, and outline a few tips for relief.
For same-day sore throat treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen. Our experienced healthcare providers are dedicated to providing comprehensive medical services to all patients in the Aberdeen, NJ area. No appointments are required– just walk-in!
Why Does a Cold Cause a Sore Throat?
The main reason colds cause sore throats is due to viral inflammation. When a cold virus enters your body, it attacks the upper respiratory tract, causing the mucous membranes in your throat to become irritated and inflamed. This inflammation leads to the familiar scratchy, dry feeling associated with sore throats. Additionally, symptoms like nasal congestion and post-nasal drip can make the sore throat worse. The constant dripping of mucus from the sinuses to the back of the throat leads to irritation and, in some cases, a prolonged sore throat.
What’s The Typical Duration of a Cold-Related Sore Throat?
Sore throats caused by the common cold are typically short-lived– lasting two or three days. In most cases, the sore throat is one of the first symptoms to appear, often accompanied by a runny nose, cough, sneeze, and general fatigue. The sore throat usually improves as the cold progresses, with other symptoms like nasal congestion or a cough, taking over. However, every individual’s experience may vary. For some, the sore throat may linger for a bit longer, especially if it’s exacerbated by frequent coughing or post-nasal drip. In these cases, the sore throat may last for up to a week but typically begins to decrease in intensity as time goes on.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Though a sore throat caused by a cold usually resolves on its own, there are certain instances when you should seek medical attention. If your sore throat lasts longer than seven days, it could be a sign of a more serious condition such as strep throat or tonsillitis. These bacterial infections require different treatment, such as antibiotics, to fully recover. If you experience any concerning symptoms, like a high fever, along with a sore throat, it’s best to seek medical care for further evaluation and treatment.
While a sore throat from a cold will likely resolve on its own, here are some ways to ease the discomfort in the meantime:
- Stay hydrated
- Use throat lozenges
- Gargle with salt water
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers
Get Walk-In Sore Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen
A sore throat from a cold typically lasts two to three days, though it may linger up to a week in some cases. Most sore throats resolve on their own, but if your symptoms worsen or persist beyond seven days, it’s important to seek medical care. If you’re dealing with a sore throat, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen for same-day care. Our medical team is available seven days a week to provide the best urgent care services to all patients in the Aberdeen, NJ area– with no appointments necessary. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about sore throat treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (732) 583-5100.
