Identifying Whether It's a Common Sore Throat or Strep Throat?
Strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus, and a common sore throat, usually caused by viral infections like the common cold or flu, can often be confused. Here's a guide to help you distinguish between the two.
A sore throat, or viral pharyngitis, often presents with symptoms such as cough, fever (usually mild), runny nose or nasal congestion, hoarseness, and body aches. These symptoms are typically part of a broader viral illness resembling a cold and often resolve on their own.
On the other hand, strep throat, or bacterial pharyngitis, has distinct symptoms. The sudden onset of a severe sore throat, high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), headache, swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck, white patches or pus on the tonsils (exudate), and the absence of cough and runny nose are common indicators of strep throat. In children, abdominal pain may also occur.
The key differentiators for strep throat relative to viral sore throat are the sudden onset with high fever, absence of cough or runny nose, presence of white tonsillar exudate, and swollen lymph nodes. Viral sore throats are more likely to involve cough, hoarseness, and other upper respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose.
Diagnosis often requires a healthcare provider's examination and possibly a throat swab since symptoms can overlap. It's essential to seek medical advice if you suspect strep throat, as it needs antibiotics to prevent complications, while viral sore throats are managed with supportive care only.
Strep throat can be easily spread by sharing personal items, close contact, or through the air by sneezing or coughing. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to a more severe illness like rheumatic fever, a potentially fatal disease that can damage heart valves.
Family medicine specialist Daniel Allan, MD, explains the difference between a sore throat and strep throat. If you're experiencing symptoms of strep throat, making an appointment with a healthcare provider is key to figuring out what might be happening with your body during common winter illnesses.
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