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Sore Throat or Strep Throat: 10 Ways to Tell the Difference

A sore throat can be uncomfortable, but not all sore throats are the same. Strep throat, in particular, can be more serious and may require medical treatment. Here are ten ways to help you distinguish between a common sore throat and strep throat:

1. Pain Level:

  • Sore Throat: A sore throat often comes with mild to moderate pain.
  • Strep Throat: Strep throat tends to cause severe throat pain, making swallowing difficult.

2. Swelling and Redness:

  • Sore Throat: You may notice some redness and mild swelling in the throat.
  • Strep Throat: Strep throat can lead to significant redness and noticeable swelling of the tonsils and the back of the throat.

3. White Patches:

  • Sore Throat: White patches or spots are less common in a regular sore throat.
  • Strep Throat: Strep throat can cause white patches, often with pus, on the tonsils and throat.

4. Fever:

  • Sore Throat: A low-grade fever is possible with a sore throat but not always present.
  • Strep Throat: Strep throat often leads to a high fever, typically above 101°F (38.3°C).

5. Cough and Sneezing:

  • Sore Throat: You might have a mild cough or sneezing but not necessarily.
  • Strep Throat: Strep throat typically doesn’t cause coughing or sneezing.

6. Headache:

  • Sore Throat: A headache can accompany a sore throat but tends to be mild.
  • Strep Throat: Strep throat can cause more severe headaches.

7. Body Aches:

  • Sore Throat: You may experience slight body aches.
  • Strep Throat: Strep throat often causes significant body aches.

8. Rapid Onset:

  • Sore Throat: A regular sore throat can develop gradually.
  • Strep Throat: Strep throat typically comes on suddenly.

9. Age Group:

  • Sore Throat: Sore throats can affect people of all ages.
  • Strep Throat: Strep throat is more common in children between the ages of 5 and 15.

10. Testing:

  • Sore Throat: You may not need to see a doctor for a regular sore throat.
  • Strep Throat: Strep throat requires a medical diagnosis, usually involving a rapid strep test or throat culture.

It’s essential to remember that only a healthcare provider can definitively diagnose strep throat. If you suspect you have strep throat or experience severe symptoms, especially in children, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Strep throat can lead to complications if left untreated, but with appropriate care, it is typically curable with antibiotics.