answersLogoWhite

0

Sore throats may be caused by either bacteria or viruses.

Viruses often give symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and cough -- but not always. Bacteria (strep) usually are not associated with these "cold" symptoms.

It is impossible to tell just by looking at the throat whether it is a virus or strep throat. You have to swab it. Currently, there are no antibiotics that work well against viruses that typically cause a sore throat. That's okay because the body gets rid of this on its own, so all you have to do is treat the symptoms like the pain.

Strep throat needs antibiotics to cure it. A person with strep throat is considered non-infectious after the first 24 hours of antibiotics. If your child has strep throat she should stay away from others until that 24 hours is up.

Viruses, on the other hand, are most infectious usually before you have symptoms, such as a sore throat so it is not necessary to keep your child home if she only has a viral sore throat. For many reasons I believe it is important not to treat a "strep throat" based upon observation alone. The throat should be swabbed for culture.

User Avatar

Giles Wiegand

Lvl 10
4y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is sturck throat?

There is nothing commonly known as struck throat. There however is strep throat which is a contagious viral infection which makes ones throat hurt.


How do you catch viral throat infections?

Viral throat infection is airborne.


Are all bacterial infections non contagious and viral infections contagious?

Both bacterial infections and viral infections can be contagious or not contagious. Some viral infections are not spread from human to human or are only rarely spread that way. TB is a contagious bacterial infection.


Is viral atypical pneumonia contagious?

See related links. Known viral causes of atypical pneumonia are severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and measles. Both of these viral conditions are contagious.


What is the recuperation time for a viral infection in the throat?

Sore throat caused by a viral infection generally clears up on its own within one week with no complications. The exception is mononucleosis.


Impetigo is a highly contagious viral skin infection?

No, it's a highly infectious bacterial skin infection.


Is lymphadenitis contagious?

Lymphadenitis itself is not contagious. It is typically caused by an infection such as a bacterial or viral infection that can be contagious, but the swelling of the lymph nodes is not spread directly from person to person.


Is orbital cellulitis contagious?

Orbital cellulitis is not contagious, as it is typically caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from nearby sinuses or tissues. It is not transmitted from person to person like a viral infection.


Why is there pain with a sore throat?

If there is a viral or bacterial infection of the throat, the infection causes damage on a cellular level, which triggers a reaction in pain-sensing nerves.


The highly contagious bacterial infection known as pinkeye is caused by bacterial or viral irritation of the what?

conjunctiva


Is a highly contagious viral infection of the brainstem and spinal cord that sometimes leads to paralysis?

Poliomyelitis


Do you cough and sneeze when you have strep?

No you don't, if you do then its just a viral infection in the throat area is is easier to get rid of.