A sore throat can have many causes. Two of the most common causes of sore throats are bacteria and viruses. Both bacteria and viruses cause the immune system to fight off the infection, which can lead to relatively similar symptoms including mucus build-up, coughing, and fever. Understanding the difference between bacterial and viral infections is important for treatment options and recovery. The best way to know for sure for any particular case is to get tested at an urgent care center. Respiratory illness tests can determine if a sore throat is caused by a simple cold or something more serious like strep throat.
For same-day sore throat diagnosis and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction. Our medical team can determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and plan the necessary treatment to aid your recovery. Simply walk-in or pre-register your visit below!
What Is The Difference Between Bacterial And Viral Infections?
Simply put, the core difference between viral and bacterial infections is what causes the illness. Viruses cause viral infections and bacteria cause bacterial infections. The reason this distinction needs to be made is because of how these illnesses are treated. Antibiotics are medicines that help destroy bacteria. Bacteria are single-cell organisms that can live inside or outside of the body. Viruses on the other hand replicate within living animals' healthy cells. These differences can affect how contagious illnesses are as well as what treatments and medicines doctors can prescribe. Common causes of a viral sore throat include the common cold, flu, mono, and COVID-19. Common causes of a bacterial sore throat include strep throat, pertussis, and tonsillitis.
Symptoms of Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections frequently cause the tonsils to swell and appear redder in the back of the throat. You might also notice white patches or streaks of pus that appear on the tonsils. This is different from tonsil stones which are often a combination of mucus, food particles, and bacteria. Bacterial infections can also cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and other digestive issues. Bacterial infections are often less likely to cause coughs.
Symptoms of Viral Infections
Viral infections are often similar to a common cold or the flu. Your sore throat is often accompanied by coughs, runny noses, and other issues related to mucus. Viral infections can also make your voice hoarse. Overall, a viral infection presents symptoms that are commonly associated with upper respiratory issues. Coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and fevers are all often associated with a virus. Digestive problems are usually not caused by viral infections.
Get Sore Throat Diagnosis & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction
The best thing to do if you have a sore throat is to see a certified medical provider. A healthcare professional can provide strep throat testing and other tests that can quickly determine the underlying cause of a sore throat. If the sore throat is bacterial they will likely recommend antibiotics that can help destroy the bacteria causing the infection. If the infection is viral, they will prescribe different treatments that can help your body fight off the virus. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. At AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction, your health is our top priority! We’re open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, allowing patients to stop by at their convenience. If you have any further questions about sore throat treatment, or other services we provide, please call our team directly at (970) 609-2001.
