What is the difference between strep and a cold? Obviously I have had both in the past. I am not sure which i have. I know a lot of people around me in the past few weeks have had colds. My throat hurts but is getting better. One of my glands is still swollen. I have a runny nose and might have a low fever. Anyone?
2006-12-10 13:36:48 · 3 answers · asked by Lindsay 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
The difference between strep throat and a "common cold" is that when a person is infected with strep throat you would see white bacteria on their tonsils and the uvula (the thing that hangs down that everyone thinks is the tonsils). This white bacteria is a true sign of strep and this is what doctors look for when they do a throat culture. Usually one or two of your glands is swollen, fever, and runny nose are symptoms along with strep throat. The common cold is more like slight sore throat, running nose, watery eyes, sneezing etc etc. Along with a cough maybe.
Hope this helps you diagnose yourself with the help of your doctor!
2006-12-10 13:56:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I haven't had strep throat in years but when I did get it; I had an itchy inner ear, a fever, and it was hard to swallow even a piece of bread. I had it twice between Halloween and Christmas and the second time I had it; the doctor took me on my word and didn't even give me a throat culture because my symptoms were the same.
2006-12-10 13:46:55 · answer #2 · answered by Merilee L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can only tell you from my personal issue. But first you should always check with your doctor to be sure. Now when I had strep and I saw my Dr, she told me that she had never seen so many puss-pockets on someones tonsils. I had them out at the age of 30. I'm 35 now.
2006-12-10 14:59:51 · answer #3 · answered by nick722 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋