Q15. What is the difference between a viral throat infection and a bacterial throat infection?

A15. Viral throat infections are caused by a number of viruses which enter the body and attack areas of the throat. Examples of these include the common cold, the flu and glandular fever.

Bacterial throat infections develop due to person to person contact. For example, if you transmit saliva via kissing or sneezing. They are not as common as viral throat infections but in some situations will require treatment with antibiotics.

Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics but bacterial infections do.

Both of these are discussed in greater detail in our throat infections section.

FAQS Index : Sore throat FAQ

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Sore throat FAQs

1. What does the throat consist of?
2. What does the throat do?
3. What is the larynx?
4. What are the tonsils?
5. How do the vocal cords work?
6. What enables us to speak?
7. Why do we get a sore throat?
8. Can you treat a sore throat with antibiotics?
9. Why does my child get lots of sore throats?
10. What is diphtheria?
11. What is croup?
12. What is quinsy?
13. What is acid reflux?
14. What is strep throat?
15. What is the difference between a viral throat infection and a bacterial throat infection?

16. Why do children have frequent episodes of tonsillitis?
17. What are adenoids?
18. Do you need to have your tonsils removed?
19. What are the different types of throat cancer?
20. What causes throat cancer?
21. How is throat cancer treated?
22. Can oral sex damage the throat?
23. What effect does your lifestyle have on your throat?
24. Why are singers prone to throat problems?
25. Why does being overweight affect your throat?
26. Can you treat a sore throat at home?
27. My child has a sore throat; do I need to see my GP?
28. What causes someone to lose their voice?
29. Can you prevent a sore throat?
30. Why is it important to look after your throat?

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