A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold. However, a sore throat from a cold often gets better or goes away after the first day or two. Other cold symptoms such as a runny nose and congestion may follow the sore throat.

Watch Jay Fedak, Physician Assistant at Danbury talk you through what you should be doing if you think you or a family member have strep.

https://youtu.be/rvHkPCXnIGc

Strep throat, which is an infection due to streptococcus bacteria, is another cause of sore throats and tonsillitis. With strep throat, the sore throat is often more severe and persists.

Tonsillitis is a painful inflammation or infection of the tonsils, the tissue masses located at the back of the throat.

Is a Sore Throat With a Cold Caused by Viruses or Bacteria?

Sore throats can be caused either by viruses or bacteria. The most common causes of sore throats are viruses. Viral sore throats are often accompanied by other cold symptoms that may include a runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes, and sneezing. Other causes of sore throat include smoking, pollution or irritants in the air, allergies, and dry air.

Is Strep Throat Contagious ?

Yes it is! Strep throat is contagious and spreads by person-to-person contact with fluids from the nose or saliva. It commonly spreads among family or household members and for school children it is especially contagious within the school environment. Children should be instructed to wash their hands often, and not to share water bottles or juice boxes