How long does a viral throat infection last?

A viral throat infection, commonly known as pharyngitis or sore throat, typically lasts around 5–7 days in individuals with a healthy immune system. However, the duration can vary from person to person and may last shorter or longer than this time frame.

Here are some factors that can influence the duration of a viral throat infection:

Severity of the infection: The intensity of the symptoms and viral load can affect how long the infection lasts. Severe infections may take longer to resolve.

Individual immune response: People with stronger immune systems may be able to fight off the viral infection more quickly, leading to a shorter duration.

Overall health status: Underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems can make individuals more susceptible to prolonged or recurrent viral throat infections.

Additional factors such as co-infections, allergies, environmental irritants, smoking, or dehydration can also influence the duration of symptoms.

In some cases, a persistent sore throat lasting more than two weeks or accompanied by other severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, as it might not be a simple viral infection and may require further investigation or treatment.