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.
How do you tell if it’s strep throat or a cold?
A viral sore throat is typically accompanied by other cold-like symptoms, such as cough, sneeze, runny nose and a hoarse or raspy voice. “A strep infection can make it feel very painful to swallow, and often comes with fever of 101-degrees or higher,” said Schairer.
Can a flu sore throat turn into strep?
Since the flu is a viral sickness and strep throat is bacterial, one cannot “turn into” the other. That being said, it is possible to get one illness right after the other, and it may not be completely coincidental!
How do I know if my sore throat is flu?
The symptoms of flu can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). Cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.
Can the flu feel like strep throat Related Questions
Can strep go away by itself?
No, strep throat won’t go away on its own. A type of bacteria causes strep throat, and antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. Strep throat can lead to more serious illnesses if not treated, so it’s important to start on antibiotics immediately.
Can strep throat heal on its own?
A. Strep throat typically resolves in three to five days if untreated. Despite the short duration, antibiotic treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of complications.
How do I check if I have strep throat?
Fever. Pain when swallowing. Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red. Red and swollen tonsils. White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils. Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae. Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.
Do you cough with strep throat?
Cough is generally not a symptom of strep throat. Cough, hoarseness, runny nose, reddened eyes and other symptoms may point to a viral respiratory infection.
How do you check for strep throat?
Your doctor may perform a rapid antigen test on a swab sample from your throat. This test can detect strep bacteria in minutes by looking for substances (antigens) in the throat. If the test is negative but your doctor still suspects strep, he or she might do a throat culture.
How long does the flu and strep throat last?
Viral pharyngitis often goes away in five to seven days. If you have bacterial pharyngitis, you will feel better after you have taken antibiotics for two to three days. You must take your antibiotic even when you are feeling better.
What does strep throat look like?
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. Fever.
Can strep throat turn into pneumonia?
pyogenes), or group A streptococcus, is a pathogen which causes localized illness, such as pharyngitis and skin lesions [1]. S. pyogenes can asymptomatically colonize humans, and may cause invasive diseases, such as bacteremia, pneumonia, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome [1, 2].
What antibiotic is good for strep throat?
Penicillin or amoxicillin is the antibiotic of choice to treat group A strep pharyngitis. There has never been a report of a clinical isolate of group A strep that is resistant to penicillin. However, resistance to azithromycin and clarithromycin is common in some communities.
How do you fix a sore throat from the flu?
Warm and cold fluids. Sip on warm drinks, like tea or chicken soup. Gargling. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt — or a similar amount of baking soda — in a glass of warm water. Over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers. Steam and humidity. Hot toddy. Rest.
Should my throat hurt with the flu?
At first, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat.
Will vitamin C help with strep?
If you have strep throat, boost your vitamin C consumption by taking a supplement and eating foods rich in vitamin C like oranges, kale, strawberries, grapefruit, and kiwi. Deficiency has been linked to respiratory infections, and research has shown it plays an important role in the immune system.
Is it OK to leave strep throat untreated?
Left untreated, strep throat can lead to kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever, a serious illness that can cause stroke and permanent damage to the heart. Fortunately, strep throat can be easily diagnosed with a simple throat culture, and promptly treated with a course of antibiotics.
How did I get strep throat?
Strep throat is most common in children between ages 5 and 15, although anyone can get it. Strep throat is spread by person-to-person contact with fluids from the nose or saliva. It commonly spreads among family or household members.
What kills streptococcus naturally?
Salt Water Gargle – A soothing saltwater gargle is an effective home treatment method used for strep throat. Lemon, Honey, and Ginger Tea – This supplement is great for strep throat as it contains more antibacterial properties than most over-the-counter medications.
Does gargling salt water help sore throat?
Salt water can be gargled to relieve scratchy and sore throats. The salt water helps wash away the mucus that lines the throat and helps reduce inflammation. The method for gargling salt water takes only a minute and a few simple supplies. Repeat several times throughout the day or as needed.