A sore throat, particularly caused by strep throat, is often characterized by sudden pain and difficulty swallowing. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that leads to redness, swelling, and white patches on the tonsils, along with swollen lymph nodes. Other common symptoms include fever, headache, and fatigue, and in some cases, nausea or a skin rash may develop. Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat typically doesn’t present with coughing or a runny nose. If left untreated, it can lead to complications like rheumatic fever, so it’s important to seek medical attention for appropriate treatment, often involving antibiotics.