Strep or sore throat?

Question

How can I tell whether I have strep throat or a sore throat?

Answer 1

Sometimes its harder than just looking and seeing white spots. Strep throat can present in several different ways.

Adults with strep throat may have a sore throat, a fever and swollen neck glands. They usually don’t have a cough or a runny nose.

Children with strep throat have a sore throat and may have tummy pain or a red rash with small spots. The rash is worse under the arms and in skin creases.

Not every sore throat is strep throat. Bacteria only cause about 5% to 10% of sore throats. The rest are caused by viruses or other problems, and antibiotics will not help. Your doctor can do a test to make sure it is strep throat.

I personally had strep throat 3X last year (thanks to my son) and it was different each and every time. The first time I was completely wiped out and was in bed for 3 days. I had sore throat, sinus pressure and fever. The second time I thought I had a sinus infection and it ended up being strep, and the third time I didn't even realize I had it. I brought my son in because he was sick and they tested me also and we both had strep. My advise-go to your doctor or your nearest Urgent Care center if you can't get into see your PCP.

Edit:
You don't always get white patches with Strep throat, it depends on the strain of bacteria that you are infected with.

Answer 2

Causes

Sore throats can be caused by:

Low humidity in your home
Not drinking enough fluids
Winter dryness
Smoke
Allergies
Sore throats can also be caused by two types of infections: the more common viral infection and the less common—but more serious—bacterial infection known as strep throat.

Symptoms

Your symptoms may be an indication of which type of infection you have.

Viral Sore Throat

A viral infection:

Usually causes a dry cough and light-colored mucus
Is less likely to be accompanied by a fever
Is often associated with a cold, flu, or hoarseness
Strep Throat

Indications that you have strep throat include:

Very red throat with white spots
Swollen neck glands
Fever above 101°F
No cough or runny nose
If you have symptoms of strep throat, you should see your doctor for a strep test. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have recently been exposed to someone with strep.

Treatment

Viral sore throats will usually go away in a few days, but up to 7 to 10 days is not uncommon. They do not need to be treated with antibiotics.

If you have strep throat, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. You will begin to feel better after about a day of taking your medication, but you need to take all your medication exactly as prescribed to prevent possible complications. It’s easy to spread the strep bacteria to other people, so you should stay home until you’ve taken the medication for 24 hours and are no longer contagious.

Self-Care

Gargle with warm saltwater every couple of hours. Use ¼ teaspoon of table salt in an 8-ounce glass of water. This will help lessen the irritation that is causing your throat to feel sore.
Suck on popsicles or other frozen desserts. They will feel good on your throat and help you get enough liquids. Older children and adults can also suck on throat lozenges (cough drops), hard candy, or ice and gargle with saltwater.
Drink more liquids. Make sure you are drinking 8 to 10 glasses each day. Juice and water are best. Warm liquids are soothing to the back of your throat.
Use acetaminophen (Tylenol or a generic) or ibuprofen for a fever or other aches. Do not use aspirin for children under 18, because it may increase their risk of Reye’s syndrome. Adults may take aspirin.
Get extra rest. It helps your body get rid of the virus or bacteria that is causing the infection.

Answer 3

The only way to tell the difference is to have a throat culture done. But, why don't you just go to your doctor for a check-up on the throat. Not only are you sick, but being cooped up on a plane to Paris with 300 other passengers and recirculated air is going to make half of them sick, too. Get Chloriseptic for the throat pain and get to the doctor. Strep throat is potentially serious, as the infection is staph, which can move to the heart if not taken care of. Good luck and Bon Voyage!

Answer 4

Strep throat is always identifiable by little white patches or spots on the back of your throat. Along with a fever. I know this because I get strep throat every year.

J

Answer 5

The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor and be tested for strep.

Answer 6

Sore throat is usually due to a viral infection. Gargling with warm salty water or mouthwash can reduce the pain and inconvenience. More details and home remedies available at http://ailments.in/sorethroat.html

Answer 7

You should go to the doctor and if it is hard to breath that means you got strep.

Answer 8

Fever.
Swollen glands.
White and red patches.

If you have symptoms of a common cold or flu, then its most likely not strep.

Answer 9

Strep ---------- white and red streaks in back of throat.fever and coated tong sometimes .

Answer 10

well i could answer your question but then some other idiot will ask the same question so just go to webMD.com and find out for yourself