Strep Throat or Just a Sore Throat? How to Tell the Difference

A sore throat can be painful and disruptive, but not every sore throat needs antibiotics or urgent medical care. Most sore throats resolve on their own within a few days, while strep throat requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.

At Peaks Medical and Urgent Care in Dillon, Colorado, we offer rapid strep testing and same-day treatment for throat infections as part of our urgent care services. Our team can quickly determine whether your symptoms indicate strep throat or just a sore throat caused by a viral infection, and this month’s blog offers tips to help you tell the difference.

Viral vs. bacterial: What’s behind your sore throat

Most sore throats result from viral infections like colds or flu. These viruses irritate your throat lining as part of a broader respiratory infection that includes congestion, coughing, or sneezing.

Strep throat develops from Group A Streptococcus bacteria. This bacterial infection concentrates in your throat and tonsils without the nasal congestion or cough that usually accompany illnesses caused by a virus.

What viral sore throats look like

Sore throats that result from a virus typically develop gradually alongside other cold or flu symptoms. Your throat might feel scratchy or raw, and swallowing can be uncomfortable but is usually manageable.

Along with a sore throat, common viral symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Mild cough
• Hoarseness
• Sneezing
• General tiredness

These symptoms tend to peak within a few days and gradually improve over a week. You can usually manage discomfort with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Recognizing strep throat symptoms

Strep throat symptoms appear more suddenly than viral throat infections. You might wake up with severe throat pain that makes swallowing difficult. The pain often feels sharp or intense rather than scratchy or irritated.

Telltale strep throat symptoms include:

• Severe throat pain that starts abruptly
• Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks
• Tiny red spots on the roof of your mouth
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
• Fever, often 101°F or higher
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in children

Strep throat rarely causes coughing, runny nose, or congestion. If you have significant nasal symptoms alongside your sore throat, a viral infection is more likely. The symptoms listed here should prompt you to come in to Peaks Medical and Urgent Care for strep testing. 

How rapid testing confirms diagnosis

You can’t reliably diagnose strep throat based on symptoms alone because viral and bacterial throat infections can seem similar. 

A rapid strep test provides results within minutes and confirms whether bacteria are causing your symptoms. Our team performs a simple throat swab that collects a sample from the back of your throat.

Managing viral sore throats

Viral sore throats don’t respond to antibiotics because antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Treatment focuses on symptom relief while your immune system fights the virus.

Home remedies that help sore throat caused by a virus include:

• Gargling with warm salt water to soothe irritation and reduce swelling
• Drinking plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist and to thin mucus
• Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever
• Resting to support your immune response

Most viral sore throats improve within 5-7 days without medical intervention.

Antibiotic treatment for strep throat

Strep throat requires antibiotic treatment, typically a 10-day course of penicillin or amoxicillin. Antibiotics eliminate the bacteria and prevent serious complications, such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. 

When to seek medical care

Schedule an appointment if your sore throat is severe, if it lasts longer than a few days, or if it comes with a high fever. Children with sore throats and fever should be evaluated promptly, especially if they can’t drink fluids or seem unusually tired. The combination of severe throat pain without cold symptoms points toward possible strep throat.

If you’re experiencing throat pain and you aren’t sure of the cause, we can help. Contact Peaks Medical and Urgent Care at 970-485-6826 or visit our clinic in Dillon for prompt evaluation and care.