Sore throats typically occur with other symptoms related to the underlying illness that is causing the soreness. For example, infection with the Coxsackie virus can cause moderate fever, difficulty swallowing and blisters in the throat in addition to throat soreness.

Bacterial infections such as strep throat typically cause symptoms such as fever and thickened, bloody nasal discharge in children under age 3. Symptoms tend to be worse after age 3, and may include higher fever, painful soreness in the throat and difficulty swallowing, swollen glands, headache, vomiting, and pus or white spots on the tonsils.

Symptoms of tonsillitis closely mimic those of strep throat. Mononucleosis typically is characterized by a sore throat that lasts for one to four weeks and includes symptoms such as swollen glands in the neck, armpits and groin. Children with mononucleosis also may experience fatigue, fever and chills, and headache.