When you have a sore throat you may feel pain scratchiness or irritation on your throat. It usually hurts more when you swallow or talk. Sore throats are common in winter and we care for you. In this health tips series we will provide some simple tips to avoid a sore throat. Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Symptoms may include – fever headache white patches or pus on your tonsils red swollen tonsils swollen glands in your neck skin rash abdominal pain (usually in children) vomiting (usually in children) and joint or muscle