We all know the tell-tale signs of a sore throat: pain when swallowing, scratchiness, and just a general feeling of discomfort. But sometimes, a sore throat isn’t just a simple ailment. Strep throat is sore throat’s bigger, tougher cousin.
This is a bacterial infection that will need medical treatment and antibiotics, unlike most viral sore throats. It can be tough to determine whether you have a viral sore throat or strep throat, but knowing the difference can help you seek the right care at the right time.
What Causes Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat
In short, strep throat is a sore throat with fever caused by streptococcal infection, and it’s more common December through April, says the CDC. Let’s break down the key differences between the two.
A standard, run-of-the-mill sore throat is often caused by a virus such as the common cold or flu. Characterized by a cough, runny nose, or congestion, viral sore throats come on slowly, and improve with rest and home care within just a few days.
Strep throat is caused by a highly contagious bacterium called Group A Streptococcus. Typically spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or share utensils, strep throat isn’t as common as viral sore throats. It accounts for 30 percent of sore throats in kids, and five to 15 percent of sore throats in adults, according to Johns Hopkins.
Symptoms: Viral Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat
Some symptoms can be the same, but here are the key differences:
Viral Sore Throat
- Gradual onset of throat discomfort
- Cough, runny nose, or congestion
- Hoarseness
- Mild fever
- Body aches related to a cold or flu
Strep Throat
- Sudden, intense sore throat
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Fever (101°F or higher)
- Red, swollen tonsils with white patches or pus
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Headache, nausea, or body aches
- Not usually accompanied by cough or runny nose
Due to the similarity between symptoms, it’s important to visit an urgent care clinic for strep throat testing in Michigan. Only a healthcare provider and strep test can confirm the diagnosis.
Testing
If your doctor is concerned you have strep, they will order one or both of the following:
- Rapid Strep Test: A rapid antigen test via a sterile swab of the throat and tonsils can detect the presence of strep bacteria within minutes.
- Throat Culture: If a rapid test is negative but your doctor still thinks it may be strep, they can send the swab out for a throat culture. While results take longer to come back – within 48 hours — cultures can more accurately detect the bacteria.
If either test comes back positive, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, which should only be ordered when absolutely necessary. Antibiotics will not cure a standard sore throat. Over-prescription of antibiotics can lead to resistance over time.
Treatment
Viral Sore Throat
To provide symptom relief for a viral sore throat, you can:
- Get plenty of rest and fluids
- Drink warm teas or cold drinks
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Gargle with warm salt water
Strep Throat
Antibiotics for strep throat usually come from the penicillin family (amoxicillin, penicillin, etc.), which can:
- Lessen severity of symptoms sooner
- Prevent complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation
- Decrease the spread to others
It’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics or your symptoms can return. You should start to feel better within 24 to 48 hours. On top of antibiotics, be sure to get plenty of rest and fluids.
When you understand the differences between a common sore throat and strep throat, you are able to make better decision about care. If you are unsure which one you have, it’s always best to confirm with strep throat testing in Michigan.
Contact Specialty Urgent Care
If you’re experiencing a sore throat that comes with fever, difficulty swallowing, or white patches, don’t suffer: walk in or call one of our urgent care centers in Michigan.