Sore throats can be painful and annoying. Fortunately, most sore throats are caused by a minor illness and go away without medical treatment.

Several conditions can cause a sore throat.

Viral infections

Many sore throats are caused by a viral illness, such as:

• The common cold, the most common type of viral infection
• Infection of the voice box (laryngitis)
• Mononucleosis (mono, "the kissing disease"), a viral infection that tends to cause a persistent sore throat.
• Other viral infections, such as mumps, herpangina, or influenza