A sore throat (“Pharyngitis”) and strep throat (“Streptococcal Pharyngitis”) are two different things, but both can make you very uncomfortable when you talk, swallow, or even breathe. Most sore throats are caused by a virus, pollens, dust/smoke, or overuse. Strep throat is a serious version of a sore throat and is caused by Streptococci bacteria. You can get them any time of year, but they are more-frequent during the late fall-winter-early spring months.
Sore Throat vs Step Throat
Sore Throat symptoms:
Symptoms of a sore throat may include a swollen and scratchy throat, moderate fever, swollen neck glands, runny nose, cough, ear pain, and congestion. There are several at-home remedies you can try to help alleviate sore throat pain- gargling with warm salt water, drinking warm liquids like tea with honey, sipping broth soups, using throat lozenges or sprays, or breathing near a mist humidifier.
Symptoms of a strep throat:
People who have strep throat may experience the same symptoms as a regular sore throat, but those symptoms may be more severe. Strep throat sufferers will also have additional issues, such as
- white or red patches
- streaks on the tonsils or roof of their mouth
- headaches
- chills
- rash
- nausea
- vomiting
If you are concerned you may have strep throat, a rapid test can be done at a medical provider. Usually, an antibiotic will be prescribed if the test is positive since strep is a bacterial infection that can be treated.
Additional Reading:
When Should You Worry About A Sore Throat?
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