What's causing your sore throat?

While sore throats are common during cold and flu season, it's important to know the cause of your pain. Viruses that cause a runny nose and sinus congestion can also make your throat sore. These sore throats can be painful, but are usually run-of-the-mill and will get better on their own with time.

But when a sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection -- usually strep -- then it needs a doctor's attention. Left untreated, strep throat can become serious. Strep throat is usually accompanied by a fever, sudden onset of throat pain, headache, loss of appetite, and white spots on the back of the throat.

Tonsillitis is another cause of throat pain, which may or may not need treatment. Read more about sore throats, how to treat them, and when to see your doctor here.