A sore throat is a common symptom of many illnesses. When it comes to distinguishing between a sore throat from cold and a sore throat from strep, it can be tricky. Both conditions can cause discomfort, yet they differ in causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the difference between a sore throat from a cold and one caused by strep can help you determine whether you need to visit urgent care for treatment.
For same-day sore throat treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield. Our team is available to provide expert evaluations and treatments seven days a week– no appointment necessary. Just walk-in today!
Causes: Viral vs. Bacterial
One of the main differences between a sore throat from a cold and strep throat lies in the cause. A sore throat from a cold is typically caused by a virus. Colds are viral infections that often bring along other symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough. Since colds are viral, antibiotics are not effective in treating them. On the other hand, strep throat is caused by bacteria, specifically Group A Streptococcus. Unlike a viral sore throat, strep requires antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications which makes prompt diagnosis and treatment crucial.
Symptoms: Common Cold vs. Strep Throat
Recognizing the differences in symptoms can help you identify whether your sore throat is due to a cold or strep throat.
A sore throat from a cold often presents alongside symptoms such as:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Mild fatigue
- Low-grade fever (sometimes)
A sore throat from a cold usually develops gradually and may be accompanied by a scratchy feeling. The pain is often mild to moderate and improves within a few days as other symptoms progress.
Strep throat, on the other hand, tends to have more specific and intense symptoms, including:
- Sudden, severe sore throat without coughing or sneezing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen, red tonsils with white patches
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Red spots on roof of mouth
- Headache and body aches
One key difference is that strep throat often comes on suddenly and causes a much more intense sore throat compared to a cold. You might also experience higher fevers with strep, while colds tend to cause mild/no fevers.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your sore throat is accompanied by a runny nose, cough, or mild fatigue, it’s likely caused by a cold and may not require medical attention unless symptoms worsen or persist for more than a week. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms through supportive care. This can include throat lozenges, warm saltwater gargles, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
If your sore throat is sudden and severe, especially if accompanied by a fever or swollen lymph nodes, you should visit urgent care. A healthcare provider can perform a rapid strep test to determine if a strep infection is present. If strep is confirmed, antibiotics will be prescribed to eliminate the infection and prevent complications.
Get Walk-In Sore Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield in South Plainfield, NJ
While a sore throat is a common symptom, understanding whether it’s caused by a cold or strep throat is important for receiving the right treatment. If you’re dealing with a sore throat, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield for a professional diagnosis and proper treatment. Our center is committed to providing quality, convenient, and affordable care to all patients in the South Plainfield, NJ area. Appointments are not required– you can simply walk in any day of the week to start recovering in the right hands. Don’t ignore your symptoms. Visit us today for quality healthcare. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about sore throat treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (908) 222-3500.
