Physical findings of viral pharyngitis typically include:

The characteristic physical findings of viral pharyngitis usually present as mild erythema with little to no exudates. In viral infections, the throat may be red and somewhat swollen, but the severity is generally less than that seen in bacterial infections, such as streptococcal pharyngitis, which typically presents with severe exudates and pronounced lymphadenopathy.

Viral pharyngitis commonly shows a more subdued inflammatory response, resulting in less redness and minimal mucous or pus. The absence of significant exudates helps differentiate it from bacterial causes, where the presence of white patches or thick exudates is common. This aligns with the common clinical presentation of viral infections which tend to be self-limiting, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these characteristic findings for appropriate management and to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment.