Throat pain during a viral infection often occurs due to inflammation and irritation of the throat lining. Symptoms may include pain while swallowing, throat dryness, fever, cough, runny nose, body pain, hoarseness, or mild throat swelling. Most viral throat infections improve gradually within a few days with supportive care and proper hydration. Pain- and fever-relief medicines may help reduce throat discomfort, headache, fever, and body aches temporarily during recovery. Warm fluids, saltwater gargles, steam inhalation, throat lozenges, honey with warm water, and adequate rest may also help soothe throat irritation and improve comfort faster. Maintaining hydration and avoiding very cold drinks, smoking, dust, and spicy foods may reduce further throat irritation. Antibiotics are generally not helpful for simple viral throat infections unless a bacterial infection is suspected after proper medical evaluation. Consult a doctor if swallowing becomes very difficult, breathing trouble occurs, high fever continues, white patches or pus appear in the throat, or symptoms become worse instead of improving over the next several days.