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- Strep throat and the flu can have similar symptoms, but they are very different illnesses. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sore throat, fever, and headache. The flu can cause similar symptoms, but it’s caused by a virus and can be more severe.
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What is the difference between strep throat and the flu?
Can a doctor tell the flu and strep throat apart?
How do you know if you have a strep throat?
Jan 29, 2023 · Symptoms of sore throat vs. strep. Viral infections, like the common cold or flu, cause sore throats (pharyngitis). And it usually comes with other symptoms like: Runny nose. Red or watery eyes ...
Aug 3, 2023 · Strep throat is a bacterial infection, while the flu is a viral respiratory infection. However, it is possible to have both strep throat and the flu simultaneously. Strep Throat Vs Flu: Comparing Symptoms. Strep throat and the flu share similar symptoms, including sore throat, fever, and headaches.
Nov 16, 2023 · Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and fatigue are typical, and they can persist for several weeks. Headache: Many flu sufferers experience intense headaches. Runny or Stuffy Nose: Nasal congestion or a runny nose may also occur.
- Symptoms
- Causes
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- Summary
- A Word from Verywell
- Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms of the Flu
Symptoms of the flu can vary based on the strain of influenza you are infected with. Viruses don’t just affect your respiratory system. They mount a wide-scale attack on your entire body, typically causing more symptoms than a simple cold or allergic response. Some of the most common flu symptoms include: 1. Fever 2. Headache 3. General body aches and pains 4. Fatigue 5. Cough 6. Chest pain or discomfort 7. Shortness of breath Nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat can sometimes appear...
Symptoms of Allergies
There are many types of allergic reactions, but respiratory allergies—sometimes called seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever—are most often compared to cold and flu symptoms. Common symptoms of respiratory allergiesinclude: 1. Stuffy nose 2. Runny nose 3. Sneezing 4. Coughing 5. Itchy eyes, nose, or mouth 6. Red or watery eyes 7. Swollen eyelids In severe cases, allergies may cause problems like shortness of breath, dizziness, increased heart rate, and other symptoms of anaphylaxis, a sever...
More than 200 viruses alone are known to cause colds, but there are specific viruses to blame for some infections.Allergies, on the other hand, are not caused by any viruses at all.
Diagnosis of any of these conditions begins with an assessment of your symptoms. If you have a cough or other respiratory symptoms that are severe or won’t go away, see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Colds are usually diagnosed based on symptoms alone, but flu, COVID, and allergies all have specific tests that can be done.
Treating the flu and COVID involves similar tactics. Like most viruses, treating these infections focuses more on managing symptoms. Allergy management is similar and focuses on symptomatic relief, although a healthcare provider can offer some options to provide you with a more effective solution.
Preventing viruses like the flu focuses on the most basic elements of infection prevention: 1. Practice good hand hygiene 2. Avoid people who are sick 3. Avoid going out if you are sick 4. Get vaccinated Maskingis an effective measure for preventing the spread of respiratory droplets containing the coronavirus. It can also be helpful for preventing...
Even though the flu, COVID-19, and allergies all cause similar symptoms, allergies are more likely to cause runny nose, and the flu and COVID-19 can cause symptoms that affect different parts of your body, such as body aches and fever. The flu and COVID-19 are both caused by viruses, while allergies are triggered by certain substances that you are ...
Colds, the flu, COVID, and allergies can be hard to tell apart—even for healthcare providers. This is why a number of tests have been developed to help accurately diagnose these conditions. If you have a cough that is severe or won’t go away, or your symptoms get better and then return, see a doctor for an official diagnosis. Having a diagnosis wil...
Does COVID make you sneeze?
COVID can make you sneeze, but sneezing is more common with allergies than with viral infections like COVID.
Can you use cold and flu medicine for allergies?
Decongestant cold and flu medicines sometimes help treat allergy symptoms, but an allergist can recommend a more targeted treatment that may better manage your allergies without the side effects of cold and flu medications.
Are COVID symptoms different from allergies?
Allergies almost never cause a fever, but fever is a common symptom of COVID, along with a loss of taste and smell.
Apr 19, 2024 · “If you’re over the age of 3 and you’ve been exposed to strep throat or have a current infection with strep throat, the most common symptoms that we’re familiar with usually include fever, having that sore throat type of feeling and fatigue.” “You can also have headaches, and belly-aches or abdominal pain with it as well,” Dr. Patel said.
Nov 30, 2022 · Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats. If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.
Dec 20, 2022 · If strep throat is found to be the cause of your symptoms, you will likely be prescribed antibiotics to clear up the infection. If you have the flu, you may be given a prescription for an antiviral medication. In most cases, strep throat lasts a week to 10 days and the flu around five days.
