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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.

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Q: Is a sore throat contagious
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Related questions

What type of sore throat is not contagious?

Sore throat caused by environmental conditions is not contagious.


Is pharyngitis contagious?

Pharyngitis is the medical name for a sore throat. Pharyngitis is contagious through direct contact with mucus, nasal discharge, or saliva.


If someone who has strep throat kisses you can you get it too?

Yes you can contract Glandular Fever by kissing. GF used to be known as the "kissing disease." You can contract GF by an exchange of bodily fluids, such as during kissing, sneezing or coughing, sharing eating and drinking utensils. You can only contract Glandular Fever during the contagious phase.


How do you know if you have a sore throat?

Does your throat feel raw and sore? If the answer is yes, you have a sore throat.


What about sore throte?

Sore throat is a pain and sore in the throat


Why do you get Sore throat?

you can get a sore throat By shouting


What are the symptoms for strep throat and how to tell it from regular sore throat?

The symptoms of Strep Throat are itchy throat, fever, headaches, red or swollen throat, and irritation when swallowing. Alert doctor when symptoms persist more than 5 days. *Strep Throat is Contagious*


How do you spell the word sore throat?

Sore throat is not a single word; it is two words, "sore" and "throat".


How do you know if it is sore throat or strep throat?

It's called a sore throat because it hurts. If you feel pain in your throat, that is a sore throat.


Can you spread a sore throat by clearing your throat?

You cannot spread a sore throat by clearing your throat. Sore throat conditions can only be spread through contact.


Will you have a sore throat with herpes?

Nope, herpes and strep are not the same thing. Strep is caused by bacteria, herpes is caused by a virus. But you shouldn't be kissing some one that has strep throat, it is contagious.


Does cancer in your throat feel like a really bad sore throat?

There are many conditions that can cause a severe sore throat including strep throat. Cancer of the throat can cause the throat to feel sore. When you have a persistent sore throat consult a physician.