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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.
- Common Sore Throat or Something Else? We all know that raw, scratchy feeling in the back of the throat. It could just be dry winter air, seasonal allergies, or a plain old cold.
- Take a Good Look. Grab a flashlight, look in the mirror, and say, "Ahhh." You could find some important clues. You might see white dots or patches in the back of your throat.
- Do You Have Cold Symptoms? If you have a cough and drippy nose along with your sore throat, that could be good news. You may feel crummy, but you're less likely to have a serious infection.
- Do You Have a Fever? Colds can cause a fever, but it’s usually just a mild one. If you have a sore throat and a fever over 101 F, it's more likely to be a throat infection like strep than a simple cold.
Aug 3, 2023 · Identifying the distinction between “strep throat vs flu” is crucial in administering appropriate healthcare treatments and containing the spread of diseases. Strep throat, in most cases, tends to be more severe than the flu, leading to worse symptoms like high fever and intense throat pain. As strep throat is caused by bacteria, while the ...
Mar 15, 2024 · A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold. However, a sore throat from a cold often gets better or goes away after the first day or two. Other cold symptoms such as a runny nose and ...
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Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:
•Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
•Painful swallowing
•Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
•Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
•Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
Call your doctor if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms:
•A sore throat accompanied by tender, swollen lymph glands
•A sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours
•A fever
•A sore throat accompanied by a rash
•Problems breathing or swallowing
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Strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus.
Streptococcal bacteria are contagious. They can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth or eyes.
Several factors can increase your risk of strep throat infection:
•Young age. Strep throat occurs most commonly in children.
Spread of infection
Strep bacteria may spread, causing infection in:
Inflammatory reactions
Strep infection may lead to inflammatory illnesses, including:
To prevent strep infection:
•Wash your hands. Proper hand-washing is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections. That's why it's important to wash your own hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Teach your children how to wash their hands properly using soap and water or to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if there is no soap and water available.
•Cover your mouth. Teach your children to cover their mouths with an elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze.
•Don't share personal items. Don't share drinking glasses or eating utensils. Wash dishes in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.
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By Mayo Clinic Staff
•Know the signs of strep throat in children
Nov 16, 2023 · Some might ask is strep worse than the flu but it’s like comparing oranges and apples. Unlike the flu, strep throat isn’t seasonal and can strike at any time of the year. It’s commonly seen in school-age children and teenagers but can affect people of all ages. Common Symptoms of Strep Throat: Sore Throat: Strep throat typically begins ...
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What is the difference between strep throat and the flu?
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Can a doctor tell the flu and strep throat apart?
Dec 20, 2022 · Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and sinuses caused by group A streptococcus. It’s usually seen in children, adolescents, and young adults. The most common symptoms of strep throat are: Sore throat. Sore glands, usually in the neck and armpits. Fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or above for three days or more.
