Ah, good ‘ole strep throat. Strep throat used to be a common infection for many of us when we were kids, and the memories of it certainly weren’t fun ones. We didn’t really have to decipher what our symptoms meant as children, but we often have to do that as adults.

So, how can we know if we just have a sore throat or strep throat? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway offers up some helpful answers.

What Is Strep Throat?

According to the CDC, strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus.

Strep lives in the nose and throat and can be spread by coughing or sneezing, which spreads respiratory droplets into the air that contain the strep bacteria. If you experience any of the symptoms that we’ve listed below, you likely have strep throat.

Common Strep Throat Symptoms

• Sudden sore throat
• Red tonsils that have white spots on them
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen neck glands
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Abdominal pain

How Do I Know If I Only Have a Sore Throat?

One of the most common ways to tell if your symptoms constitute a sore throat caused by a virus or strep throat is by the presence of a cough. A cough is not a symptom of strep throat, while it is a symptom of a cold virus.

Another reliable way to know whether or not you have strep throat is by getting a rapid strep test. If your doctor suspects strep, this simple, painless and quick test can confirm the diagnosis. The doctor will dab the back of your throat with a cotton swab and the swab will be tested for the presence of the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. If it comes back positive, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to help you recover. We’ve listed some additional at-home remedies to help you feel better below.

At-Home Remedies for Strep Throat

• Taking over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen
• Gargling saltwater
• Sipping warm beverages, like tea with honey or lemon
• Using a humidifier to keep your throat and mouth from drying out

Strep throat can be quite painful, but it’s treatable! Don’t hesitate to visit AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway today if you are feeling under the weather.