How to tell the difference between a viral sore throat and strep?
It is common to have a sore throat with a viral infection, but there are some symptoms that are more suspicious for strep, a bacterial infection. Looking inside the throat might offer important clues - strep often produces white patches in the throat and on the tonsils, as well as red swollen tonsils or many red spots on the roof ...of the mouth above the tonsils. Coughing and post-nasal drainage can make your throat feel bad, but these symptoms are less likely to occur with strep. When congestion, runny nose, and other cold symptoms accompany a sore throat, a cold virus is usually to blame.
Colds and respiratory infections can cause fever, but it is generally low grade. A sore throat with a fever above 101 Fahrenheit raises the likelihood of strep. However, strep can be present even with little or no fever. Strep throat may cause the lymph nodes in the neck to become swollen and tender. Strep throat pain may be severe and cause difficulty swallowing. Strep can also be accompanied by headache, nausea, abdominal pain or vomiting.
A less common sign of strep infection is a rash appearing on the neck and chest, eventually spreading to the rest of the body. When this rough, sandpaper-like rash develops, the infection is known as scarlet fever. The rash may be alarming, but it will start to fade after several days. Antibiotic treatment can help protect against complications of strep infections. Many medical offices can do a "quick strep" right in the office, and start antibiotic treatment for strep if needed.
