Does influenza cause sore throat?

Influenza can inflame the throat and upper airways, causing scratchiness, burning, or pain when swallowing. Coughing, mouth breathing from a blocked nose, and dry air can add to the irritation. Throat pain also occurs with other viral illnesses, allergies, reflux, and bacterial infections, so the symptom should be considered alongside the rest of your illness.

Sip cool or warm fluids, choose soft foods if swallowing is uncomfortable, and rest your voice. Gargling with salt water may provide temporary comfort if you can do so safely. A pharmacist can advise on lozenges, sprays, or pain relief that suits you. Check labels carefully, particularly when combining cold and flu products, to avoid taking the same active ingredient twice.

Seek urgent help if breathing is difficult, you cannot swallow saliva, your voice becomes muffled, swelling develops in the mouth or neck, or you have confusion, chest pain, or severe dehydration. Contact a clinician if pain is severe, symptoms worsen after initial improvement, or you have a health condition that makes respiratory illness more concerning.

Say when the throat pain began and whether you have fever, cough, rash, blocked nose, or swollen neck glands. Ask whether any medicine is unsuitable with your current treatment, and mention if drinking has become difficult.