Is it strep throat or just sore?

Katie Schill, FNP

Family Medicine

Sore throats can be caused by viruses or bacteria. When caused by a bacteria it’s called strep throat. But how can you tell the difference, and does it really matter? Katie Schill, nurse practitioner, offered some tips on how to know if it’s strep throat or just sore.

How to know if your sore throat is from a virus

Sore throats caused by viruses are often accompanied by other symptoms, including a runny nose, cough or watery eyes, sinus pressure and occasionally fever. Unlike strep throat, symptoms will not improve with antibiotics. If your sore throat is caused by a virus, drink plenty of fluids and rest.

Is it strep throat? Here’s how to tell

Strep throat often presents with no cough, a fever greater than 100.5 degrees, white patches on the tonsils or dark spots on the roof of the mouth, and tender lymph nodes in the neck. It can cause headaches, body aches, a rash and stomach upset.

“Strep throat must be treated with antibiotics,” Schill said, “Make sure to see your doctor for a rapid strep test or throat culture.”

Why is it important to seek care for strep?

Strep is highly contagious. Not only can you spread the bacteria to other people, but the bacteria can spread to other tissue in your body, causing a worse infection. There’s also a risk of rheumatic fever if it’s left untreated.

What can you do to relieve throat pain?

Whether your sore throat is caused by a virus or strep, there are a few home remedies to help you feel better. Take Tylenol or ibuprofen as needed for pain or fever, drink plenty of fluids, gargle with warm saltwater, and use throat lozenges.

To avoid getting sick in the first place, use these tips to prevent the spread of germs:

• Use good hand hygiene.
• Do not share cups or utensils.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home from work or school if you have a fever of 100.4 or greater, even if it goes down with Tylenol or ibuprofen. You need to stay home until fever free for 24 hours.x