Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus, characterized by severe sore throat, fever, and swollen glands, and is treated with antibiotics.
And the flu is a viral infection that affects the entire respiratory system, presenting symptoms such as cough, body aches, and high fever, and is managed with antiviral medications if treated early.
But Strep throat vs flu: how can you tell the difference?
Let’s take a closer look at how these two disease, flu vs strep differ.
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a painful infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes.
This bacteria infects your throat and tonsils, causing severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing. Unlike the flu, strep throat does not come with a runny nose or cough.
Strep throat symptoms are intense, with throat pain, high fever, and swollen glands in your neck. Adults often have inflamed tonsils, while kids have enlarged lymph nodes. It can be so painful that you have trouble eating or drinking.
When doctors diagnose strep throat, they look for redness and swelling in your throat, often with white patches. To confirm the presence of those troublesome bacteria, a quick swab test is performed on the back of your throat.
What is the Flu ?
Now let’s talk about the flu. Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious virus that affects your entire respiratory system. It brings along a whole host of symptoms, making it more widespread than strep throat. Common flu symptoms include:
- High fever
- Coughing fits
- Nasal discharge
- Body aches
- Extreme fatigue
Sometimes, ear infections can sneak in as part of the flu package, too.
Flu symptoms usually hit you like a freight train, and they can be much worse than a common cold.
For those at higher risk, like seniors or individuals with weakened immune systems, the flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. It spreads rapidly through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, especially in crowded places.
To combat the flu, getting vaccinated is a smart move. The peak flu season runs from December to February, but getting your shot early will keep you protected throughout that time.
Strep Throat vs Flu
Strep throat symptoms typically show up suddenly as a severe sore throat, without the accompanying respiratory symptoms like coughing or a runny nose.
On the other hand, flu symptoms emerge quickly and can include body aches, coughs, and congestion that affect your overall well-being.
Both are caused by different pathogens, which means they require different treatments. Strep throat is a bacterial infection treatable with antibiotics, while the flu is caused by viruses that can be managed with antiviral medications if caught early.
Below I’ve make key differences table about flu vs Strep.
| Feature | Flu (Influenza) | Strep Throat |
|---|
| Cause | Caused by influenza viruses (Type A, B, or C) | Caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria |
| Onset | Sudden onset of symptoms, often within hours | Sudden onset of sore throat, typically over hours |
| Primary Symptoms | Fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, headache | Severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, swollen tonsils with white patches |
| Fever | Common, moderate to high (100°F–104°F) | Common, often high (above 101°F) |
| Cough | Common and persistent | Rare or mild |
| Runny Nose | Common | Rare |
| Body Aches | Common and widespread | Rare |
| Swollen Lymph Nodes | Mild swelling in some cases | Common, especially in the neck |
| Contagion | Highly contagious via respiratory droplets | Contagious via respiratory droplets or direct contact |
| Diagnosis | Based on symptoms; confirmed with rapid flu test or PCR | Throat culture or rapid strep test |
| Treatment | Antiviral medications (e.g., oseltamivir) if diagnosed early; rest and hydration | Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin or amoxicillin) |
| Duration | 1–2 weeks, with gradual recovery | 3–7 days with treatment |
| Complications | Pneumonia, sinus infections, or worsening of chronic conditions | Rare complications like rheumatic fever if untreated |
| Prevention | Annual flu vaccine, hand hygiene | Good hygiene, avoid close contact with infected people |
Diagnosis Methods including Rapid Strep Test
Strep throat can be diagnosed through a physical examination and a throat swab. The rapid strep test can detect strep bacteria in just minutes.
For more sensitive detection, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests can identify tiny amounts of bacterial DNA. Throat cultures are another method, but they can take up to two days for results.
To quickly diagnose the flu, rapid flu tests using nasal swabs can detect influenza viruses. These tests provide fast results, allowing for prompt care.
Read More: Heavy Legs Feeling : Causes and Natural Remedies
Treatment Options
Getting the right treatment for strep throat and the flu is essential because they require different approaches.
Antibiotics can effectively combat strep throat by targeting the bacteria, but it’s vital to complete the entire course to clear the infection and prevent complications.
If you catch the flu, early diagnosis can lead to antiviral medications that inhibit the virus from multiplying.
This can reduce symptoms and shorten recovery time. However, these medications won’t work against bacterial infections like strep.
Treatment varies between strep throat and the flu due to their different causes: one is bacterial, and the other is viral.
Note: Quick action and following your doctor’s advice will ensure a fast recovery from either condition.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, or a high fever from strep throat, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Ignoring treatment can lead to serious outcomes like rheumatic fever, which can affect your heart health.
For flu symptoms such as respiratory issues, persistent chest pain, or high fever, it’s crucial to see a doctor right away. Influenza can be serious, especially for high-risk groups like seniors or those with chronic health conditions.
10 Ways to Prevent Flu Season
The CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report for Week 52, ending December 28, 2024, shows that 6.8% of patient visits were for respiratory illnesses like fever, cough, or sore throat.
This is widely known as influenza-like illness (ILI). This number is above the national average of 3.0% for the fifth week in a row, showing how common the flu has been this season.
Of course, you can prevent it directly. Here are ten effective ways to keep both strep throat and the flu at bay:
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly to stop the spread of germs.
Steer clear of people showing respiratory symptoms to minimize your risk of infection.
Always cough or sneeze into a tissue, then toss it to prevent germ spread.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched to kill germs.
Getting your annual flu shot significantly reduces your chances of catching the flu.
Stay hydrated to keep your immune system strong.
Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods to bolster your defenses against illness.
Don’t share utensils or personal items with infected individuals.
Isolate yourself at home if you’re feeling unwell to prevent spreading illness.
Keep an eye out during peak flu months to stay informed.
Following these tips will help reduce your chances of getting sick with either condition and promote overall health.
Bottom Line
According to studies, every year, 3–5 million severe cases of influenza-associated acute respiratory infections require hospitalization around the world. In poor countries, 90% of these hospitalizations are for children under five.
As you can see, flu and strep both are common illnesses that require accurate diagnosis, swift action, and informed steps to protect yourself and others. After all, timely care can prevent serious complications from these conditions.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Estimated Burden of Influenza: Questions and Answers.” CDC.gov, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024.
- “Interaction Between Influenza Viruses and Streptococcus Pneumoniae.” PubMed, National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35088451
- Iuliano, A. Diane, et al. “Estimates of global seasonal influenza-associated respiratory mortality: A modelling study.” The Lancet, vol. 391, no. 10127, 2018, pp. 1285-1300. National Center for Biotechnology Information, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)33293-2.
