Health Tip: What's Behind Your Sore Throat?

A sore throat has a litany of possible causes, including an allergy, air pollution, dry air or exposure to tobacco smoke.

The culprit also may be a virus, notably the common cold.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says signs that a virus may be behind your sore throat include:

• Coughing and sneezing.
• Watery eyes.
• A mild headache and general body aches.
• Runny nose.
• A fever of less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit.