Sore throats are a common symptom that can leave you wondering whether you’re dealing with something mild, like a cold, or a more serious condition, such as strep throat. While both conditions share overlapping symptoms, there are key differences that can help you identify the cause of your discomfort. Understanding these differences can guide you in deciding when to seek medical care.
For same-day sore throat relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and appointments aren’t required! Simply stop by the center at your convenience.
What Causes Strep Throat & The Common Cold?
To understand what makes the two different, one must first know what pathogen is responsible for them. In other words, what pathogens spread them? For example, the microbe responsible for strep is a bacteria called Streptococcus and it proliferates by aerosols exhaled into food and drinks by an infected person.
The common cold on the other hand is spread by viruses that affect the nose and throat called rhinoviruses. There you have it, two distinct pathogens requiring varying methods of treatment even with similar symptoms.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat tends to cause more severe symptoms, including:
- Sore throat
- Swollen tonsils
- Red tonsils
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever due to the infection
- Pus discharge on the tonsils
- Lymph nodes become sensitive and swollen
- Headaches
- Red and white patches appear on the palate
Symptoms of a Cold
These are some symptoms that set the common cold apart from strep:
- Runny and congested nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Low-grade fever
- Heavy mucus discharge
- Coughing
- Sore throat
How To Prevent and Treat Strep Throat
1. Drink Lots of Warm or Cold Fluids
Consistent fluid intake helps soothe the pain and irritation, giving the body much-needed hydration to fight off the infection. Drinks containing some amounts of honey, lemon, and garlic do the job of mildly killing off some of the infectious bacteria.
2. Brush Your Mouth Regularly
The streptococcus bacteria gets in through the mouth but the body still has time to fight it. You can aid this fight by brushing at least twice a day or after every meal. It will help create a hostile environment and terrible breeding ground for the bacteria.
3. Wash Your Hands and Utensils Regularly
One of the ways strep can spread is by sharing items like plates, cups, and spoons with an infected person. This is why even in situations in which there isn’t much of a choice, one still needs to make sure that those utensils have been washed before using them. Another way to avoid contracting it is by washing your hands and face regularly. This is because the bacteria spread by respiratory driblets that get on the hand and face. People with the habit of eating without washing their hands are especially vulnerable.
4. Gargle With Salt Water and Practice a Good Diet
Whenever you start noticing strep symptoms, gargling with salt water is your best approach. The salt kills off the bacteria before the infection can spread and take root and in situations in which it is too late, it helps stave off the infection and soothe the affected areas.
How To Treat The Common Cold
Since colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics are not effective. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies can help alleviate symptoms.
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink a lot of liquids to stay hydrated
- Using medication like ibuprofen and antivirals
- Make use of nasal decongestants
Get Walk-In Sore Throat Relief at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen in Aberdeen, NJ
Determining whether your sore throat is due to a cold or strep throat can be tricky, but paying attention to your symptoms can help you identify the cause. If you’re unsure or your symptoms are severe, visiting an urgent care center for a thorough evaluation is the best course of action. Early diagnosis and treatment can ensure a quicker recovery and prevent complications. At AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen, our medical team is committed to providing the best quality of care to all patients in the Aberdeen, NJ area and surrounding communities. No appointments are required! Most insurance plans are accepted and we offer cost-effective self-pay rates. If you have any additional questions about our services, please contact us directly at (732) 583-5100.
