Bacteria cause strep throat Viruses cause most sore throats. However, strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep).
A viral sore throat is typically accompanied by other cold-like symptoms, such as cough, sneeze, runny nose and a hoarse or raspy voice. “A strep infection can make it feel very painful to swallow, and often comes with fever of 101-degrees or higher,” said Schairer.
Since bacteria cause strep throat, antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and prevent rheumatic fever and other complications.
No. “Because strep throat is a bacterial infection, we [generally] treat it with antibiotics,” Usatch said. Antibiotics will not help with sore throat symptoms caused by a viral infection.
Strep throat typically resolves in three to five days if untreated. Despite the short duration, antibiotic treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of complications. Symptoms typically resolve within one to three days following the start of antibiotics.
Generally speaking, our immune systems clear viral infections more easily than bacterial infections. Overall, viral infections can be a little less severe than bacterial infections, meaning your fever might be lower with a viral infection than a bacterial infection.
Sometimes viral illnesses cause a sore throat that may be mistaken for strep throat. These include common cold viruses, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), influenza (the "flu"), croup, mononucleosis (“mono”), measles, and chickenpox.
“Starting in September we saw this rapid increase in respiratory viruses we haven't really seen in the past few years, first in RSV, then in flu. Once the immune system is worn down from that, it's easier for strep to infect and cause complications,” Geevarghese says.
Symptoms of Strep Throat Infection
Other symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Cough, hoarseness, red eyes, and runny nose are not seen with Strep throat. These symptoms point more to a viral cause.
Left untreated, strep throat can lead to kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever, a serious illness that can cause stroke and permanent damage to the heart. Fortunately, strep throat can be easily diagnosed with a simple throat culture, and promptly treated with a course of antibiotics.
Strep throat is a painful infection in the throat caused by streptococcal bacteria. This type of bacteria is extremely contagious and can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or sharing food and drinks.
The short answer is yes. “Unlike ear infections, which can be bacterial or viral in nature, strep throat is always caused by bacteria (group A streptococcus),” Moore clarifies. “Therefore, best practice is to prescribe antibiotics to prevent future problems and stop the spread of the infection.
In general, strep throat is a mild disease, but it can be very painful. Common symptoms may include: Fever. Pain when swallowing.
Call your doctor if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms: A sore throat accompanied by tender, swollen lymph glands. A sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours. A fever.
Viral illnesses that resemble strep include: The common cold is caused by one of many viruses, with rhinovirus being the most common. Symptoms include sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, cough, and mild fever.
Mild to moderate headaches are a common symptom of strep throat. Other common symptoms include fever, sore throat, and pain while swallowing. Other types of throat infections may also have similar symptoms.
Symptoms appear about 2 to 5 days after coming in contact with the strep germ. They may be mild or severe. Common symptoms include: Fever that may begin suddenly and is often the highest on the second day.
Tonsillitis occurs when a virus or bacterium causes the tonsils to swell, while strep throat happens when a specific bacteria causes swelling in the throat area. Both infections come with similar symptoms, such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, headache, and fever, and are transmitted easily from person to person.
Both of these conditions can cause a sore throat, but there are distinct differences. A sore throat from strep throat will typically lead to enlarged tonsils, and there can also be red and white patches in the throat. Mono will often make an individual feel fatigued, which is typically not a symptom of strep throat.
How are bacterial infections different from viral infections? It can be difficult to know what causes an infection, because viral and bacterial infections can cause similar symptoms. Your doctor may need a sample of your urine, stool or blood, or a swab from your nose or throat to see what sort of infection you have.
The virus life cycle can be divided into three stages—entry, genome replication, and exit (Fig. 3.1 ).