Oftentimes, a scratchy throat is the first sign of a looming illness, such as strep throat or influenza. To many people, strep throat and a sore throat that accompanies the flu may seem like one and the same. However, they are actually different illnesses that require different treatment approaches.
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.
How to tell the difference between viral cold and strep throat?
However, strep throat is caused by bacteria and is more likely to cause symptoms like red, swollen tonsils and swollen lymph nodes. In contrast, colds are caused by viruses and are more likely to cause symptoms like a runny nose and cough.
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!
Does 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.
Is a cough normal with strep?
Symptoms of Strep Throat Infection Other symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Cough, hoarseness, red eyes, and runny nose are not seen with Strep throat. These symptoms point more to a viral cause.
How long does flu sore throat last?
While they can occur at any time of the year and for a variety of reasons, sore throats tend to be most common during cold and flu season. The pain can range from mild to moderate to severe, and the duration of time the pain lasts can vary from a day or two to a week or more.
Does flu start with throat?
While it’s certainly an annoyance, a tickle at the back of your throat could be a sign that you may be coming down with the flu (or another virus or illness). A sore, scratchy throat signals that white blood cells and antibodies are rushing to the area to fight infection ‚Äì causing inflammation and irritation.
How do I know if my throat is viral or bacterial?
Knowing whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial is usually determined by symptoms. Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.
Is strep throat white or red?
White Spots on Throat Another symptom of a bacterial throat infection is distinct white spots, splotches, or streaks on the tonsils, along with a red sore throat. If a patient notices this, it’s best to be seen by a clinician to get tested for strep.
Do you need antibiotics for strep throat?
Since bacteria cause strep throat, antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and prevent rheumatic fever and other complications.
Is strep worse then the flu?
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 test for strep throat?
A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep bacteria are causing the illness. If the test is positive, doctors can prescribe 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.
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.
What cures strep throat fast?
In most cases, antibiotics will quickly wipe out the bacteria causing the infection. In the meantime, try these tips to relieve symptoms of strep throat: Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps your body fight infection.
What to eat with strep throat?
DON’T give young children and teenagers aspirin. DON’T sneeze or cough on others if you’re sick.
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.