The respiratory tract infection that causes sore throat may also have other symptoms:

Main symptoms of respiratory tract infections

• Sore throat (in the form of irritation, stinging)
• Cough
• Headache
• Fever
• Feeling of tightness in the chest
• Chills
• Fast breathing
• Dyspnoea (feeling short of breath)
• Wheezing (whistling sound during breathing).

A sore throat signals inflammation or irritation. Symptoms are usually accompanied by difficulty swallowing.
Depending on the cause of the sore throat, signs and symptoms include:

• Pain or a scratchy feeling in the throat
• Sore throat that worsens with swallowing or speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• White spots on the throat or tonsils
• Red, swollen tonsils
• Swollen throat lymph nodes
• Hoarse or altered voice

Infections that cause sore throats can lead to other signs and symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Rhinitis
• Sneeze
• Joint or muscle pain
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain (usually in children) (10)