A sore throat, or acutepharyngitis, is one of the most common winter complaints.

A sore throat is a symptom of infection, usually viral, or of an irritation of the pharynx - the back portion of the mouth behind the tongue.

The irritation may be a local throat infection or the result of post-nasal drip caused by discharge from allergies, sinusitis, or a head cold.

Children are especially susceptible to sore throats because their immune systems are not mature enough to fend off flu and cold viruses....