Noninfectious causes of sore throats, likeallergiesor acid reflux, will also be considered.
This article will review various illnesses that mimic strep throat.
It will also discuss the chances of a false negative strep test and the following steps to take.
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The throat pain associated with strep usually comes on suddenly and worsens when swallowing or talking.
Other symptoms of strep throat are:
Several conditions, both infectious and noninfectious, can mimic strep.
Viral illnesses that resemble strep include:
Does COVID-19 Resemble Strep?
COVID-19 is due to a coronavirus strain known as SARS-CoV-2.
Symptoms vary from person to person but commonly include fever and dry cough.
Sore throat is present in around 12% of cases.
Other Bacterial Infections
Strep throat is resulting from Group AStreptococcus(GAS).
Less commonly, other bacteria can cause a sore throat.
Treatment usually includes topical or systemic antifungal therapy.
The initial test performed for strep throat evaluation is typically a rapid antigen detection test (RADT).
Results from a throat culture take longer to come back (around one to two days).
Also, a throat culture can identify other bacterial causes of a sore throat.
If the cause of your sore throat is viral,antibioticsare not warranted.
They are only given for bacterial causes of sore throat.
Overall though, most viral causes of sore throat can be treated at home.
For instance, a healthcare provider may recommend asteroid nasal sprayor anantihistaminefor an allergy-related sore throat.
Treatment of a sore throat is tailored toward the root cause.
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