The winter season is a common time for almost everyone to have a runny or stuffy nose, a hoarse cough, or a sore throat. Many things can cause the painful condition of a sore throat such as bacteria, allergens, cigarette smoke, or other viral infections. A sore throat is usually the first sign of a cold, and is easily treatable with bed rest, over-the-counter medicine, and drinking plenty of hot fluids. While some remedies can ...