Viral pharyngitis infection is the most common cause of sore throat and the etiologic agents are usually respiratory viruses, including adenoviruses, coxsackie A viruses, influenza, or parainfluenza virus. It is self- limited, and normally goes away on it’s own. *Streptococcal pharyngitis* which is the most frequent bacterial cause of infectious pharyngitis. In the winter months during strep outbreaks, as many as 30% of episodes of pharyngitis may be caused by Strep A.

Did you know:

Fact: Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

Viral pharyngitis infection is the most common cause of sore throat and the etiologic agents are usually respiratory viruses, including adenoviruses, coxsackie A viruses, influenza, or parainfluenza virus. It is self- limited, and normally goes away on it’s own. *Streptococcal pharyngitis* which is the most frequent bacterial cause of infectious pharyngitis. In the winter months during strep outbreaks, as many as 30% of episodes of pharyngitis may be caused by Strep A.

Fact: Influenza

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. It occurs in outbreaks every year, mainly during the winter season. Signs and symptoms of upper and/or lower respiratory tract involvement are common, but the presentation of influenza in children is variable. The manifestations vary depending upon age and previous experience with the virus. Among healthy children, influenza generally is an acute, self-limited, and uncomplicated disease.

Transmission Influenza viruses are spread from person to person, primarily through contact with respiratory secretions (through sneezing, coughing, talking, touching). Large amounts of virus are present in respiratory secretions of infected persons, which also can be transmitted through fomites.

Viral shedding peaks at 24 to 48 hours of illness and then rapidly declines; little or no viral replication is detectable in the respiratory tract after 5 to 10 days.