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Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat: What’s the Difference?

Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat: What’s the Difference?

A sore throat is a general term for any discomfort in the back of the throat, while strep throat is a specific bacterial infection. While most sore throats are caused by viruses, strep throat is often more severe and requires antibiotic treatment. Key symptoms of strep throat include fever, difficulty swallowing, and white patches on the tonsils. If you suspect strep throat, consult Dr. Kevin Penwell (D.O.) and his staff for proper diagnosis and treatment at Immediate Care of Oklahoma. For more details, contact us or you can also book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Edmond OK, Norman (24th) OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Tecumseh OK, West Moore OK, I-240 and Sooner RD OK, Yukon OK, and Choctaw OK.

Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat: What's the Difference? | Immediate Care of Oklahoma Near Me in Edmond OK, Norman (24th) OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Tecumseh OK, West Moore OK, I-240 and Sooner RD OK, Yukon OK, and Choctaw OK
Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat: What's the Difference? | Immediate Care of Oklahoma Near Me in Edmond OK, Norman (24th) OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Tecumseh OK, West Moore OK, I-240 and Sooner RD OK, Yukon OK, and Choctaw OK

Table of Contents:

Do you have just a sore throat or is it strep?
What is the difference between a sore throat and strep throat?
What are the common symptoms of a sore throat versus strep throat?
Can strep throat be contagious longer than a regular sore throat?

Do you have just a sore throat or is it strep?


At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we understand how important it is to differentiate between a sore throat and strep throat. Both conditions can cause discomfort and can affect individuals of all ages. However, the causes and symptoms as well as the treatments for each condition are quite different.

A sore throat can often be a symptom of a viral infection such as the common cold as well as the flu. Along with a painful or scratchy sensation in your throat, you might also experience symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. While uncomfortable, a viral sore throat usually improves on its own within a week with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications.

Strep throat is a specific type of bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms can be severe and include sudden severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, and fever. Strep throat is more serious than a common sore throat and requires medical attention.

We offer rapid strep tests and throat cultures for patients who may have strep throat. If the test is positive, we prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and alleviate symptoms. It’s crucial to seek our medical attention if you suspect strep throat, as it can lead to serious complications if left untreated, such as rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation.

To prevent strep throat and other infections, we recommend practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected individuals, as well as disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

What is the difference between a sore throat and strep throat?


The symptoms of a sore throat and strep throat can be confusingly similar, but they are two different conditions caused by varying factors and require different treatments.

A sore throat can be caused by many things, including viral infections like a cold or the flu, allergies, dry air, or irritation from excessive shouting or talking and smoking. The symptoms of a sore throat can often include pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and swollen glands in the neck. When you visit Immediate Care, our medical professionals will diagnose a sore throat based on these symptoms and a physical examination.

Strep throat is a more specific type of sore throat caused by a bacterial infection with Streptococcus pyogenes. Strep throat is typically more severe and persistent than a typical sore throat. Symptoms can include a sudden onset of a sore throat accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, headache, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, and, in children, loss of appetite and nausea or vomiting. You may also notice red and swollen tonsils, small red spots, and a rash. We will confirm the presence of this bacteria using a throat swab test.

Unlike a typical sore throat, strep throat needs to be treated with antibiotics in order to eliminate the bacteria and prevent complications. In the absence of treatment, strep throat can lead to serious conditions, including rheumatic fever, which causes inflammation of the heart, joints, and brain; scarlet fever, characterized by a skin rash with fever; and kidney inflammation, or glomerulonephritis.

What are the common symptoms of a sore throat versus strep throat?


Throat discomfort can be a challenging condition to diagnose, especially in distinguishing between a general sore throat or strep throat.

A sore throat, often caused by a viral infection like a cold or the flu, can manifest in several ways, such as:

● Dryness or irritation in the back of the throat
● Mild pain or a scratchy sensation, worsening when you swallow
● Redness as well as swelling of the throat and tonsils
● Hoarseness or voice changes
● A slight fever (less than 101°F)
● Coughing or clearing the throat
● Other viral symptoms such as a runny nose, mild headache, and fatigue

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Unlike a typical sore throat, strep throat tends to be more severe and present symptoms more quickly, including:

● Sudden onset of intense throat pain
● Difficulty swallowing
● Swollen, red tonsils with white or yellow patches of pus
● Fever (usually over 101°F)
● Chills
● Headache
● Muscle aches
● Nausea or vomiting


Strep throat can also cause a rash, body aches, tiny red spots on the soft or hard part of the roof of the mouth, and swollen, tender lymph nodes on the neck. Regardless of whether your symptoms are more in line with a viral sore throat or strep throat, it’s crucial to contact Immediate Care of Oklahoma. If you are diagnosed with strep, we’ll prescribe the necessary antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent complications.

Can strep throat be contagious longer than a regular sore throat?


Strep throat, also known as streptococcal pharyngitis, is a serious and highly contagious bacterial infection affecting the throat and tonsils. This infection, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, can remain contagious for a significant period if not treated in time.

If you have been exposed to the bacteria, the contagious period for strep throat typically begins 1-3 days after exposure and can last up to 10 days, even with treatment. Without any antibiotic treatment, a person with strep throat can remain contagious for about two to three weeks. However, with the right antibiotic therapy, individuals with strep throat are usually no longer contagious after 24-48 hours.

We can provide immediate testing and treatment. We recommend antibiotics as the primary treatment, which can significantly shorten the contagious period. This is why we suggest waiting at least 24 hours following the beginning of antibiotic use before returning to work or school.

If you suspect that you have strep throat, stay home from work or school, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands frequently, disinfect shared surfaces, and avoid sharing food or drinks. We are committed to providing prompt diagnosis and effective treatment to prevent the spread of this infection. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Oklahoma City, OK. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, Choctaw OK and surrounding areas.

Our Locations

Edmond

Norman (Healthplex)

  • 3321 W. Tecumseh Rd. 125, Norman (HealthPlex), OK 73072
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Norman (24TH)

Tecumseh

Yukon

  • 10616 US Highway 66 Suite 100 Yukon, OK 73099
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West Moore

  • 11808 S May Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73170 (South OKC)
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Choctaw

l-240 & Sooner Rd.

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