The connection between flu and sore throat is the relationship between an illness and its symptoms. The flu is a respiratory illness that is caused by a virus, and a sore throat is a symptom that may develop when a person has the flu. Having a sore throat doesn’t always mean a person has the flu, however. The connection that exists between the flu and sore throat also exists between a cold and a sore threat, and a sore throat can be a symptom of a wide range of other illnesses as well. To decide whether a sore throat is really caused by the flu rather than another condition, a person may have to carefully consider his symptoms.
When a person has the flu, his illness may begin in a similar manner to a cold. A person with this condition may have a fever, sore throat, dry cough, and fatigue. In some cases, he may have a headache, chills, non-typical sweating, and congestion as well. Often, a person with the flu also experiences muscle aches while he is ill.
As the symptoms of the flu develop, a person may initially believe he has a cold. As time goes by, however, he may begin to suspect that he has a case of the flu rather than a cold. This is due to the fact that flu symptoms often feel much worse than those that are typical with a common cold. For example, a person who has flu and sore throat symptoms may feel sick enough to lie down and miss his normal activities. On the other hand, a person with a cold may not feel well but may be able to keep up with most of his activities.
The speed with which a person becomes ill may also serve as an indication of whether he has a cold and sore throat or flu and sore throat. In many cases, a cold is marked by the gradual onset of symptoms. The symptoms that are commonly noted when a person has the flu, however, often develop suddenly.
It is important to note that a person may still have the flu, even if he does not have sore throat as a symptom. A sore throat is just one of the many symptoms a person may have while he is suffering from the flu. Additionally, relief from the sore throat doesn't necessarily mean that the person has recovered from the flu. Instead, an individual may remain ill with other symptoms for long after the sore throat has passed.