
Sore throats are a common side effect of colds and flu, but also of dry, over-heated homes. Postnasal drip from colds and open-mouth breathing due to nasal congestion can both create sore throats. Although sore throats like these are generally worse in the morning and calm down as the day progresses, it is still nice to soothe the pain.

Last month we went over the signs and symptoms of realizing
when a stomach ache may require a visit to the doctor. And just recently we reviewed
when to seek medical attention for earaches. Since cold and flu season is upon us, I figured it would be good to also highlight the signs and symptoms of
when a sore throat may require a visit to the doctor.

Where I live strep throat is already going around. It seems early to me, but bacterial infections unfortunately don't operate on my schedule. Strep flourishes in cold weather, and stress, exhaustion, as well as fighting off viral infections can weaken your body's defenses setting you up for an attack of strep throat.

I always get an irritating (physically and figuratively) sore throat as the seasons change. While my sore throat is usually related to allergies, many of us get sore throats when we get colds (even if it's still warm out).
Cold season is creeping up on us now that the kids are back to school.