Sore Throat: Strep or virus?

[EliSnow]

All of a sudden this afternoon, my throat became really sore. It feels like my tonsils or something similar are a little swollen and it hurts a little to swallow and more when I sneeze.

Drinking ice cold water does sooth the throat, but only for a short time.

Is is just a simple sore throat coming with a cold or can it be strep throat or something more serious?

Add in the fact that I have a 3 year old and a 9 month old at home. I don't want to pass something to them that is worse for them than me.

The x's mark where its sore and swollen.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/7096/sorenesscf4.jpg

EDIT: It's hurting more as the day goes on.

[Dr Steve]

All of a sudden this afternoon, my throat became really sore. It feels like my tonsils or something similar are a little swollen and it hurts a little to swallow and more when I sneeze.

Drinking ice cold water does sooth the throat, but only for a short time.

Is is just a simple sore throat coming with a cold or can it be strep throat or something more serious?

Add in the fact that I have a 3 year old and a 9 month old at home. I don't want to pass something to them that is worse for them than me.



Eli:

First, I apologize for taking so long to answer your question that probably has completely resolved since you wrote it. It's just been crazy at work and at home and I haven't had the time to manage this forum the way I should.

MOST LIKELY this was a viral thing...just statistically speaking the majority of pharyngitis cases in adults appear to be viral. If you had any other symptoms (cough, respiratory congestion, etc.) that pretty much cinches the diagnosis.

Strep rarely can cause weird problems after the infection is gone, which is why we try to treat this with antibiotics (though even 10 days after onset of symptoms is ok).

Generally if you have any cold symptoms, it's not strep. If you have strep, there will generally be pus on the tonsils, enlarged tonsils (if you have them) and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Sometimes a rash, nausea, abdominal pain or muscle aches with low grade fever will accompany strep throat.

If you think you had strep, it's really not too late to seek attention for it. If not, I hope you're feeling better!

sorry again for the delay.


your pal,


steve

[EliSnow]

Well, it hasn't been resolved necessarily. I went to the dr and she said it was a viral infection. Unfortunately, I've had laryngitis since then. Hopefully it will be gone by this weekend.

EDIT: Also, no problem on the delay. I understand.

[Tall_James]

Also, no problem on the delay. I understand.

How about the $45 co-pay - you have a problem with that? Just speak up.

Oh wait. You have laryngitis. Never mind there Whispers.

[Aggie]

If it persists, ask for a mono test. I had it in college and the first doctor's visit he just looked in my throat, said it was strep and sent me home with antibiotics. Had to go back because it got worse, he gave me stronger ab's and took a blood test.

Well, it was mono and I broke out in a full rash over my body. Now I don't know if the antibiotics gave me the rash or the mono. Good luck, hope you're feeling better. A friend from work just had her 2 year old son diagnosed with mono. It can get very serious. I pray this is not the case with you.