How do I Tell the Difference Between Flu and Strep Throat?

A major difference between the flu and strep throat is that strep is caused by bacteria, while the flu is caused by a virus. Differentiating between these conditions can be done by recognizing the major symptoms of each illness. Influenza, also known as the flu, is an upper respiratory disease, marked by fever, chills, and body aches. In the presence of the flu, a cough and extreme fatigue are also common. Strep throat will have some similar symptoms, though not typically cause upper respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing.

The flu and strep throat are both serious illnesses that can often lead to major complications. Both flu and strep throat are highly contagious. While the two share similarities, a sure way to distinguish between them is by a physician's examination. If fever and sore throat are present, the doctor will examine the back of the throat.

Generally in the case of strep, it is common to have white patches in the back of the throat or on the tonsils. These white spots are not typically found in patients suffering from the flu, however. If the doctor recognizes signs of step throat, he will generally order a throat culture. A throat culture is performed by swabbing the back of the throat, and preparing a microscopic slide of the saliva. If the test is positive, the culture will show signs of the streptococcus bacteria, which produces symptoms of strep throat.

If you have been diagnosed with strep throat, you will most likely be given a course of antibiotics to kill the strain of bacteria in your body. Antibiotics will have no impact on viral infections, however. If you are suffering from the flu, bed rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers for body aches are basically all that can be done until the virus runs its course. There are certain anti-viral medications a doctor may prescribe, but unless they're taken at the onset of the illness, this medication will be ineffective.

If you haven't seen a physician and are unable to differentiate between the flu and strep throat, there are other symptoms that should provide clues. A dry, hacking cough accompanied by a stuffy or runny nose is almost never caused by strep. If you are experiencing these symptoms, along with a sore throat and fever, most likely you have a viral infection or the flu. If, however, your only symptoms are fever, swollen glands, and difficulty in swallowing, you most likely have a strep throat infection.