We Can Diagnose and Treat Flu & Strep
According to the CDC, the flu and strep throat are two of the most common types of infectious diseases. Both are highly contagious and share similar symptoms, but are caused by different microscopic germs. At Neighborhood Medical Center, our experienced physicians and nurses have the tools to help diagnose and treat your illness.
How Do I Know If I Have The Flu?
Flu is caused by the Influenza virus and the best way to tell if you have the flu is to get tested at Neighborhood Medical Center, when your symptoms start to get worse or if you have difficulty breathing. Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills and sweats
- Body aches
- Tiredness and weakness
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Dry, persistent cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold and the flu, as both share similar symptoms. The main differences tend to be that the flu has more severe symptoms such as fever and body aches, while a cold tends to cause more sneezing, stuffy nose, and sore throat.
How Do I Know If I Have Strep Throat?
Strep throat is caused by infection with the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus. Strep throat shares many common symptoms with other illnesses, which is why it is best to get tested at Neighborhood Medical Center for an accurate diagnosis. Common symptoms include:
- Sore throat that is painful when swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils
- White patches or streaks of pus on tonsils
- Small red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Fever
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Rash throughout the body, called Scarlet Fever
If strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, it can cause more serious complications such as rheumatic fever within 1-5 weeks after infection. Symptoms of rheumatic fever can include fever, rash, joint pain and swelling, and abnormal heart rate and rhythm.
How Do We Provide Treatment For The Flu and Strep Throat?
Although both the flu and strep throat are contagious diseases, they are treated differently. While the flu usually goes away on its own over the course of a few days, most cases of strep throat require antibiotics. Antibiotics are only recommended for strep throat and other illnesses that are due to bacteria, as they are not effective against viruses.
For the flu, there are several medications, such as Tamiflu, which can help reduce the severity of the symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year, preferably in the fall. Vaccines are available for people 6 months and older, including those with weakened immune systems. It takes about two weeks after the vaccine for it to become fully effective.
Facts To Know About The Flu and Strep Throat
- Both the flu and strep throat are spread through saliva within the air or contaminated objects and surfaces.
- The flu is spread throughout the year, but is most common in the winter months, usually between October and May. The peak of influenza activity is usually between December and February.
- According to the CDC, the flu is responsible for thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year.
- Strep throat is most common in school-aged children between the ages of 5 and 15.
- Strep throat is more common in the winter and spring months, but can occur year-round.