Why do I have a sore throat but no fever? Causes and treatments.

Is it just a cold? What a sore throat without fever could mean.

A sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of viral infections, but not every virus comes with a fever. Some colds and mild viral illnesses cause throat irritation without making you feel sick all over.

Possible viral causes of a sore throat without a fever include:

• Mild colds. Sometimes, a cold starts with a sore throat before moving on to congestion or a cough.
• Viral pharyngitis. This is an infection of the throat caused by a virus (not bacteria like strep), leading to irritation but no fever.
• COVID-19 or flu. Some cases of COVID-19 and flu present with a sore throat as the primary symptom, especially early on.

If your sore throat is mild and improves within a few days, a virus is the likely culprit. Rest, hydration and soothing remedies like warm tea or lozenges can help.

However, if your throat pain gets worse, lasts more than a week, or comes with other symptoms like swollen glands or white patches in your throat, it may be time to see a doctor.
 

Allergies, acid reflux, or something else? Common reasons for throat pain.

If your sore throat sticks around but you don’t feel sick, something other than an infection could be causing irritation.

Here are some non-infectious causes of throat pain:

• Allergies. Seasonal allergies can cause postnasal drip, where mucus irritates the back of your throat, making it feel scratchy.
• Acid reflux (GERD). Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus can cause throat irritation, a burning sensation and hoarseness, especially after eating.
• Dry air. Breathing in dry, heated air (especially in winter) can dry out your throat, making it feel sore.
• Vocal strain. Talking too much, shouting, or singing can lead to a sore throat from overuse of vocal cords.
• Irritants. Smoking, air pollution, or exposure to strong chemicals can inflame the throat, even if you’re otherwise healthy.

If your sore throat comes and goes or worsens after exposure to certain triggers (like pollen, spicy foods, or talking a lot), one of these could be the cause. Treating the underlying issue, like using allergy medications or avoiding acidic foods, can help.
 

When to visit urgent care for a persistent sore throat.

A mild sore throat usually isn’t a cause for concern, but some cases need medical attention.

See a doctor if you experience:

• A sore throat lasting longer than a week. Persistent pain could indicate an underlying condition like chronic postnasal drip, acid reflux, or tonsillitis.
• Severe pain when swallowing. If it’s difficult or painful to swallow, it could be a sign of strep throat, an abscess, or another serious issue.
• Swollen lymph nodes or white patches on the throat. This may indicate strep throat or a bacterial infection, which needs antibiotics.
• Hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks. Chronic hoarseness can be a sign of vocal cord strain, acid reflux, or a more serious throat condition.
• Trouble breathing or a sensation of throat tightness. These could be signs of an allergic reaction or another medical emergency.

If you’re not sure whether your sore throat needs medical care, CityMD urgent care is here to help. Our team can diagnose the cause, provide treatment and help you feel better.
 

Why your throat hurts without a fever.

A sore throat without a fever is often caused by mild infections, allergies, acid reflux, or environmental irritants. While most cases improve with home remedies, persistent or severe throat pain could signal a more serious issue.

If your sore throat won’t go away, keeps getting worse, or comes with other concerning symptoms, visit CityMD urgent care for quick, expert evaluation. Walk in today; no appointment is necessary.