I'm a college student and, i'll admit it, i'm a social drinker. I'm not in any way dependent on alcohol, but on weekends I do drink with my friends. Last year I came down with some sort of virus and had a soar throat for an entire semester. Then summer came and it went away. Now i'm back at school and after a few days, this sharp pain in my throat is back. It hurts when I swallow and sometimes when I speak and it only hurts on one side.

Does anyone have any idea what this could be? I know that college is basically one giant disease and it's so easy to catch anything due to living in such close quarters. But could it be alcohol related?? If so, is it serious? Keep in mind i'm pretty paranoid in general and I fear death and disease. You could say i'm a hypocondriac... So be kind in your response.

Love
scared, confused, and in pain.