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Sore throat - acute - Background information
What is the prognosis?
- Sore throat due to a viral or bacterial cause is a self-limiting condition. Symptoms resolve within 3 days in 40% of people, and within 1 week in 85% of people, irrespective of whether or not the sore throat is due to a streptococcal infection [Del Mar et al, 2006; Kenealy, 2007].
- The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually resolve within 1–2 weeks although mild cases may resolve within days. However lethargy continues for some time afterwards and in rare cases may continue for months or years [Epstein and Crawford, 2003].
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