Throat Herpes Vs Strep Throat

Prevention For Herpes In Throat

Herpes esophagitis is very rare and can be avoided by practicing safe sex. Ways to ensure you are not at risk of spreading or contracting the herpes virus are:

• Always informing your partner if youâre experiencing a herpes outbreak
• Refraining from sexual relations while experiencing a herpes outbreak

The herpes virus is most contagious during an outbreak, but can be transmitted when no obvious symptoms are present.

Sore Throat Vs Strep Throat Five Things To Know

Signs and symptoms of a sore throat can just as easily be the beginnings of something more serious: strep throat caused by strep bacteria or the inflammation of your voice box caused by viral infection or a bacterial infection. Letâs review the differences and when you need to take action and seek medical care.

Question: Sore throat? Swollen larynx? Losing your voice?

Losing your voice is usually a sign of laryngitis, which is most often caused by a virus and not that serious. However, it can be a nuisance, and if the condition lasts longer than one week, or is accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, then visit your doctor or your local urgent care to determine the cause and begin treatment.

Question: What are some of the causes of a sore throat?

A sore throat can be caused by allergens like pollen, dust and food, or sometimes bacterial infections. The most common culprits, however, are flu and viral infections, which donât respond to antibiotics.

Question: When is a sore throat leading to something more serious?

Signs and symptoms of a sore throat can just as easily be the beginnings of something more serious, like strep. Some of the signs include swollen, scratchy throat and tonsils, moderate fever, headache, swollen glands , and mild rash.

Question: What home remedies can help a sore throat?

Question: What are some symptoms of strep throat?

Question: Why does strep throat warrant a visit to your doctor or urgent care?

Sore Throat Without A Runny Nose Hoarseness Cough Or Pink Eye

Viral infections are usually behind most sore throats. Because viruses often attack multiple areas of the respiratory system, they often cause other cold and flu-like symptoms as well.

If you have a sore throat in addition to a runny nose, hoarseness, cough, or pink eye, its likely to be a viral infection. We may prescribe you some medicines to help with the symptoms but viral infections usually resolve on their own with a bit of rest.

On the other hand, if you have a sore throat without any of the above symptoms, it might be strep throat caused by the group A streptococci bacteria.

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Symptoms: Viral Sore Throat Vs Strep Throat

While these are common symptoms, everyone is different. You may have only one or two symptoms, but if you have any questions, contact your doctor for testing. Strep occurs more often in children than adults and can have serious consequences if not treated.

Viral sore throat will go away on its own, while strep requires antibiotics. If your sore throat causes trouble swallowing, last longer than 48 hours and/or comes with a fever or rash, see your doctor.

Pain And Fever Without A Cough Are Common Signs And Symptoms

In general, strep throat is a mild infection, but it can be very painful. The most common symptoms of strep throat include:

• Sore throat that can start very quickly
• Pain when swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
• Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck

Other symptoms may include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting especially in children. Someone with strep throat may also have a rash when this happens it is known as scarlet fever .

The following symptoms suggest a virus is the cause of the illness instead of strep throat:

A sore throat that starts quickly, pain with swallowing, and fever are some of the common signs and symptoms of strep throat.

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Living With Infectious Esophagitis

While you are recovering from infectious esophagitis, work closely with your healthcare provider and keep all your follow-up appointments.

If you have ongoing symptoms of painful or difficult swallowing, your healthcare provider may suggest that you take these steps:

• Avoid over-the-counter medicines that may irritate your esophagus, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

• Avoid foods or beverages that give you heartburn.

• Lose weight if you are overweight.

• Eat smaller meals more often.

• Avoid eating for 3 hours before you go to bed.

• Avoid sleeping in a flat position. Elevate the head of your bed several inches.

Throat Herpes Vs Strep Throat: How To Tell The Difference

Throat herpes and strep throat can mimic each other in the presentation of symptoms. There is an at-home strep test being developed, but it’s not out yet. However, there are certain differences between herpes esophagitis and strep throat that give it away. The first difference, of course, is the causative organism: Strep throat is a bacterial in origin caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes which belongs to Group A beta hemolytic Streptococci . Strep throat is considered to be the most common form of bacterial sore throat. Herpes esophagitis is a viral infection that is caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus , which is the second most common cause of viral esophagitis.

Throat Herpes vs. Strep Throat

There are also different risk groups for herpes esophagitis and strep throat. Strep throat often affects children between 5 and 15 years of age and is associated with transmission within crowds. Additionally strep throat has a seasonal variation, surging in winter and decreasing in summer. Herpes esophagitis affects mostly a specific group of patients including patients with history of chemotherapy treatment, hematological malignancy patients, HIV patients, and patients with autoimmune diseases.

Diagnosis of Throat Herpes vs. Strep Throat

Treatment of Throat Herpes vs. Strep Throat

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What To Do If You Suspect You Have Herpes Esophagitis

Herpes esophagitis isnt easy to see or detect. Many of the symptoms for this condition overlap with standard cold and flu symptoms, which can cause confusion:

• -Difficulty swallowing

If you start to experience these problems after contact with somebody with an active herpes outbreak, contact your doctor. He can examine your esophagus with a small, lighted camera to search for physical signs of the herpes virus.

Diagnostic tools such as a throat swab or urine test can confirm or deny your herpes esophagitis condition. Fortunately, treatment is fairly easy with an antiviral drug like Zovirax or Valtrex.

It’s even possible to avoid herpes esophagitis altogether with careful hygiene practices. Moving forward, sometimes the simplest acts are the most powerful. Implement these hygiene best practices to ensure you dont accidentally spread herpes esophagitis to your partner.

• -First and foremost, avoid kissing, oral sex during active lesions
• -Keep the infected area clean and dry
• -Avoid touching sores
• -Wash your hands immediately after any possible contact with sores
• -DONT pick at sores since this will cause infection
• -DONT make choices that you know can trigger an outbreak

Whats Causing The White Pus Patches In Your Throat

The only way to know for sure whats causing the white patches to your throat is to visit our San Jose, California office for an evaluation. Depending on your symptoms and the results of your physical exam, we may order a rapid strep test to rule out or confirm if strep is the culprit.

Depending on what your diagnosis is, treatments for the white patches can vary from antibiotics to antifungals.

If your throat hurts and youre concerned about white pus patches, dont wait to schedule an appointment. Receiving an accurate diagnosis and getting started on a treatment plan can help you feel better quicker. You can also call us at 408-207-4637. We also welcome walk-ins.

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How Is Strep Throat Treated

Strep throat is treated with antibiotics. These drugs shorten the time you’re able to spread the disease, and they lower the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of your body. Antibiotics may help you feel better faster. Taking an over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen can help relieve pain and reduce fever.

Other Causes And Treatment Options

Tonsillitis can also be caused by other conditions, such as:

• Cytomegalovirus

• The Epstein-Barr virus

Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause and is determined by your age, medical history, severity of the condition, and your personal preference. If herpes is the cause of your tonsillitis, treatment will be aimed at controlling the herpes virus and easing discomfort caused by your symptoms.

However, since herpes is not always the cause of tonsillitis, it is best to see a medical professional to determine the cause and suggest an appropriate course of treatment.

If you have oral herpes and are experiencing the symptoms of tonsillitis, visit your local FastMed. Our on-site labs enable us to provide you with test results and treatment options fast and our medical professionals are available 365 days a year to provide you with prompt and personal medical treatment.

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Viral Sore Throat Vs Strep Throat Symptoms

Sore throat symptoms are typically caused by inflammation due to a virus like the common cold. However, about 15 percent of sore throats are caused by bacteria called streptococcus, or strep. Strep throat requires treatment with an antibiotic, while viral causes of sore throat do not.

Viral Sore throat symptoms:

• White spots on tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes

Throat Herpes And Strep Throat: Learn The Difference

• Frequently asked questions

Two conditions affect your body similarly to a common sore throat: strep throat and throat herpes. Strep throat affects about 14,000 to 25,000 people¹ in the U.S. yearly, while throat herpes is much rarer.

Since it can be challenging to know if you have throat herpes vs. strep throator even just a common sore throatwe put together this short guide. This will help you understand the similarities and differences between the two conditions.

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How Much Does It Hurt

When a cold causes your sore throat, it can be plenty painful, but it usually goes away after a couple of days. Bacterial infections, like strep throat, tend to cause more severe pain that doesn’t get better. With strep, it may hurt so much that you can barely swallow. Sometimes, it can cause nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, or stomach pain as well.

Causes Of Herpes Esophagitis

Herpes Esophagitis can be caused by either the herpes simplex I or the herpes simplex II viruses. It is more commonly caused by the oral herpes variant but it does also show up as simplex II less often.

Oral Herpes

Oral herpes or HSV-1 is most often passed through infected saliva swapping from individual to individual. It is important to get tested for both strains of HSV and alert any potential sexual partners if you test positive. Oral herpes can be passed from the mouth to the genitals if oral sex is performed during an active outbreak.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes can cause herpes esophagitis in cases where an individual performs oral sex on another individual with an active HSV-2 outbreak. Protection like a condom or dental dam can help prevent transmission of HSV-2 so if you suspect you have a HSV-2 infection and are going to engage in sexual intercourse be sure to use proper protection.

Reasons why an immune system might be compromised include:

• immune system suppressing medications and treatments

• other immune suppressing conditions

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What If I Test Positive For Herpes Esophagitis

If you test positive youll be prescribed medication dependent on your personal medical history and existing medications. Common prescriptions for herpes include acyclovir , famciclovir , and valacyclovir .

With a healthy immune system and a prescription for one of the antiviral medications above your body should begin to clear the outbreak and heal within a few days of starting your dosage.

Cold Flu And Other Viral Infections

Respiratory illnesses like a cold or the flu often cause a sore throat. The earliest signs of a cold virus are usually a sore throat and runny nose. Other symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, headache, and body aches. The flu virus causes a sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, headache, body aches, and fatigue.

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What Types Are There

There are three main types. They are:

• Minor A minor canker sore is the most common. It is usually tiny, similar to a pimple. It heals without scarring in just two weeks.
• Major Compared to a minor canker sore, this type is less common. It can be large and small but round in shape. It is also excruciating and causes scarring when it bursts.
• Herpetiform People might think this type represents the herpes infection however, it is not. Compared to the two types above, herpetiform is uncommon. It has irregular edges but appears in clusters. It also heals on its own without any trace of scarring.

Is There A Rash

A rash on your neck and chest that sometimes spreads to the rest of your body can be a sign of a group of bacterial infections called streptococcal infections. The most minor of these is strep throat, but they also include more serious ones, like scarlet fever, bacteremia , and toxic shock syndrome. They all need to be treated by a doctor — usually with antibiotics — as soon as possible.

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Children And Certain Adults Are At Increased Risk

Anyone can get strep throat, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of getting this common infection.

Strep throat is more common in children than adults. It is most common in children 5 through 15 years old. It is very rare in children younger than 3 years old.

Adults who are at increased risk for strep throat include:

• Parents of school-aged children
• Adults who are often in contact with children

Close contact with another person with strep throat is the most common risk factor for illness. For example, if someone has strep throat, the bacteria often spread to other people in their household.

Infectious illnesses tend to spread wherever large groups of people gather. Crowded settings can increase the risk of getting a group A strep infection. These settings include:

• Up to 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat
• About 1 in 10 adults with a sore throat has strep throat

Canker Sore Vs Strep Throat

One of the main differences involving canker sore vs strep throat is what causes them to develop. Although the evidence is unclear, a weakened immune system or vitamin deficiency is what experts believe triggers canker sores. On the other hand, a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat. Their symptoms are also your bases in differentiating these conditions.

The Kangaroo Takeaway?

Compared to one ulcer developing in the mouth, treating a canker sore in throat is more challenging. Using a mouthwash is the best option if the painful sensation in the throat is too much to bear. Furthermore, it is best to consult with your doctor and ask for other opportunities to manage the condition better.

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A Simple Test Gives Fast Results

A doctor will determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical exam. If they think you might have strep throat, they will swab your throat to test for strep throat. There are two types of tests for strep throat: a rapid strep test and throat culture.

A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep is causing the illness. If the test is positive, doctors can prescribe antibiotics. If the test is negative, but a doctor still suspects strep throat, then the doctor can take a throat culture swab. A throat culture takes time to see if group A strep bacteria grow from the swab. While it takes more time, a throat culture sometimes finds infections that the rapid strep test misses. Culture is important to use in children and teens since they can get rheumatic fever from an untreated strep throat infection. For adults, it is usually not necessary to do a throat culture following a negative rapid strep test. Adults are generally not at risk of getting rheumatic fever following a strep throat infection.

Someone with strep throat should start feeling better in just a day or two after starting antibiotics. Call the doctor if you or your child are not feeling better after taking antibiotics for 48 hours.

Strep Throat Vs Sore Throat: Telling The Difference

• Frequently Asked Questions

When you wake up with a sore throat, it can be challenging to figure out the cause. It could be strep throat, another infection, allergies, or even acid reflux.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes swelling in the tonsils and usually peaks around age 7 or 8. Symptoms include a painful sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, and white patches on the tonsils.

A respiratory illness or environmental irritant could cause a sore throat. If your sore throat is due to strep throat you may require antibiotics to cure the infection and prevent complications.

This article provides an overview of the common causes of a sore throat and explains how to determine if you have strep throat.

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