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What is the difference between strep throat and the flu?
How do you know if you have a strep throat?
Can a doctor tell the flu and strep throat apart?
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 ...
- 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.
Jan 17, 2024 · Strep throat generally comes on suddenly. 1 The most common symptoms of strep throat include: Extremely painful sore throat. High temperature/fever. Painful swallowing. Neck stiffness. Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. Swollen lymph nodes/jaw pain. Red tonsils with white patches.
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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
Dec 20, 2022 · 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.
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 20, 2023 · chills and body aches. Other symptoms that can occur with strep throat include: headache. stomach pain. nausea or vomiting. general sick feeling. a loss of appetite. abnormal sense of taste. It is important to seek a medical diagnosis for strep throat.
