If you’ve ever felt under the weather during cold and flu season, you’re not alone. Strep throat and the flu are two common conditions that can knock you off your feet. While they share some symptoms, they are caused by different pathogens that require distinct treatments. Understanding how to differentiate between strep throat and the flu can help you get the right care when you need it most!
For same-day general illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cortez. Our center is conveniently located at 1942 E Main St in Cortez, CO. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
Understanding Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It primarily targets your throat and tonsils, and when it strikes, it can be pretty painful. Unlike the flu, strep throat generally doesn’t come with a cough or a runny nose. If you think you might have it, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. A quick strep test can set you straight. Some symptoms to watch out for include:
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen tonsils
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- No cough
Understanding The Flu
Now, let’s talk about the flu. This pesky viral infection can really mess with your entire body. Flu symptoms can vary, but here’s what you might experience:
- Fever: Often pretty high, though not always.
- Chills and body aches: You might feel like you got hit by a truck.
- Cough: A dry, nagging cough is pretty common.
- Fatigue: You’ll feel more tired than usual, and it can stick around for a while.
- Sore throat: This can happen, but it usually plays second fiddle to the other symptoms.
Flu symptoms often come on suddenly. If you’re feeling achy and exhausted, it’s essential to rest up and stay hydrated. Over-the-counter medications can help with the symptoms, but if it gets serious, you might need further treatment.
How To Tell The Difference
So, how do you tell the two apart? Strep throat tends to focus on the throat, while the flu can affect your whole body. You typically won’t see cough or congestion with strep throat, but those symptoms are pretty standard for the flu. Strep throat tends to cause a more painful sore throat, often with difficulty swallowing and visible swelling or white patches in the throat.
When to Get Help
It’s important to know when to reach out for help. If you’re dealing with intense throat pain, trouble swallowing, or a high fever with strep throat symptoms, don’t wait—get in touch with a healthcare provider. For flu symptoms, if you’re having trouble breathing, experiencing chest pain, or your fever isn’t going down, it’s time to seek medical attention. Knowing the differences between strep throat and the flu can make a big difference in how quickly you recover. If you’re feeling crummy and unsure of what’s going on, hitting up an urgent care center is a smart move. They can help you figure out what’s wrong and get you back to feeling like yourself again. Don’t let sickness slow you down—get the care you need and get back to enjoying life!
Visit AFC Urgent Care Cortez For Walk-In Treatment
While both strep and the flu can make you feel miserable, recognizing the distinct symptoms of each condition is essential for getting the right treatment. If you need a professional diagnosis and same-day treatment plan, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cortez. We’re open seven days a week with walk-in clinic access for all patients near Cortez, CO. Visit the center for quality, affordable, and convenient healthcare services. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for those without. If you have any additional questions about flu or strep throat treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (970) 516-5500.
