Do I Have Strep Throat or a Sore Throat

Should I go to my GP for this sore throat? We usually ask ourselves that question when we have a painful sore throat.

If you have strep throat, your GP can prescribe antibiotics that can quickly clear it up. However, if it’s due to a virus, like the common cold, then OTC medications and home remedy treatments are the best way to go.

We hope this guide will help you decide if your symptoms are likely to improve on their own with at-home or over-the-counter therapies or if a doctor’s visit is required.

Sore Throat and Strep Throat Symptom Comparison

A sore throat due to the common cold virus and strep throat have differences in physical signs and symptoms. However, it isn’t always clear by looking at the throat what type of infection a person has which is why you may want to seek medical attention.

Sore Throat Symptoms

  • Pain when swallowing
  • Scratchy and dry throat.
  • Redness in the back of your mouth.
  • Bad breath. Painful throat, especially when swallowing.
  • A mild cough.
  • Swollen neck glands.

Most people’s symptoms are usually mild and not accompanied by a high fever and subside within a week or two.

Strep Throat Infection Symptoms

  • Fast onset with pain when swallowing
  • Fever greater than 101°F (38°C)
  • Swollen tonsils
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swollen, very red tonsils and/or white, patchy areas on the tonsils or in the back of the throat.

CAUSES OF THROAT PAIN

Strep throat

Group A Streptococcus is a bacteria that is the most common cause of strep throat.

Sore throat (viral pharyngitis)

Most sore throats are caused by viruses including respiratory syncytial or rhinoviruses. Viruses can also cause other symptoms, including:

  • a cold
  • earache
  • bronchitis
  • sinus infection

Mononucleosis

The Epstein-Barr virus causes mononucleosis and is highly contagious, causing serious flu-like symptoms. It is very common for university students to spread “Mono” from one person to another.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is when the tonsils get infected and inflamed by viruses or bacteria — most commonly, A Streptococcus. It may also be caused by an underlying infection, such as a sinus or ear infection.

 Sore Throat Treatment

Since strep throat is a bacterial infection, doctors will typically prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Most people start to feel better within 24 to 48 hours of taking antibiotics for strep throat.

Unfortunately, antibiotics don’t work against viruses, including those that cause sore throat, tonsillitis, or mononucleosis.

Here’s how to cure a sore throat fast with home remedies:

  • Rest as much as possible.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas or hot soup.
  • Gargle with a saltwater
  • Use throat lozenges
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers. The best medicines for sore throat and cough are ibuprofen and other painkillers and fever reducers. You can also use numbing throat sprays, cold and flu syrups, etc.
  • Use a humidifier to relieve dry throat discomfort
  • Take hot showers or baths to soothe sore throats and relieve congestion.

Online4Pharmacy has a wide range of over-the-counter medications and treatments to soothe your sore throat. It’s a convenient and affordable way to shop for medicine because there is no need to leave your house. Get fast door-to-door delivery when you order with Online4Pharmacy.