It can be hard to tell the difference between strep throat and a sore throat.

Strep throat can often be mistaken for a simple sore throat due to similar symptoms.

The main difference between a sore throat and strep throat is that strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, while other sore throats can be caused by different types of bacteria, irritants or viruses.

Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, Niamh McMillan, has explained the differences between the two conditions.

Severity

While both are uncomfortable, strep throat can often have more severe symptoms.

“A sore throat usually heals within a week and may have milder symptoms than strep throat,” Niamh says. “With strep throat, there are other symptoms such as finding it difficult to swallow and red and swollen tonsils, all of which aren’t symptoms of a regular sore throat.”

Lymph glands

If you notice that your lymph glands are swollen, it is likely that you have strep throat.

“Another symptom of strep throat is swollen lymph glands, so to check if yours are swollen, gently press around the neck and near the side of your face,” the expert explains. “Swollen lymph glands will feel like a lump and may be tender to touch.”

Fever

Another common symptom of strep throat is a fever, which would not normally occur with a simple sore throat.

“Make sure to monitor changes in your temperature,” Niamh states. “Sometimes, people who have a sore throat can have other illnesses such as cold and flu which can also have fever symptoms, so it’s best to be vigilant and watch out for all symptoms listed or speak to a healthcare professional for a second opinion.”

Strep throat can cause a number of less common symptoms, including headaches and stomach pain.

When and how to seek help

Whether it’s strep throat or a sore throat, it never hurts to talk to your doctor as they can likely help ease your discomfort.

“A sore throat can be uncomfortable so even if you’re positive you don’t have strep throat, then you can still head to a pharmacy where a pharmacist will be able to review your symptoms and if suitable, supply medication to help ease the discomfort,” Niamh advises. “At Superdrug pharmacies in England we provide a sore throat service as part of the newly launched Pharmacy First service.”