Flu Season and Strep Throat: What You Need to Know
The presence of COVID-19 put a temporary stop to many routine medical issues that we deal with. Issues such as the annual flu or even strep throat. Yet as things start to open up and we venture out a little more, we’re slowly getting back to these other important topics.
At the moment, what we know about the 2022-2023 flu season is that it might be a difficult one. Additionally, there is also the recurring issue of strep throat. Strep throat or streptococcus pneumonia is a bacterial infection of the respiratory system.
Symptoms of the Flu and Strep Throat
The flu usually presents with one or more of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Body aches
Symptoms of strep throat may include one or more of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Sore throat (this can start very quickly)
- Pain when swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white spots or streaks of pus
- Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
Is it the Flu or Strep Throat?
A doctor can determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical exam. If needed, your doctor may suggest a diagnostic test for either strep throat or the flu.
Managing the Flu or Strep Throat
Strep throat – If you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat, see your doctor for prompt testing and treatment. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help relive symptoms and prevent any future complications, particularly in children.
Flu – Most adults who develop the flu will have mild to moderate symptoms that can be managed at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or Tylenol. Those with more severe symptoms may need to go to their local emergency room for laboratory diagnosis or more advanced treatment options.
Diagnosis of COVID-19 and the flu
The most important thing to pay attention to is your symptoms. Whether it’s the flu or strep throat, always seek urgent medical help if you have urgent or life-threatening symptoms such as
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- For strep throat specifically look for a fever and sore throat the lasts longer than 48 hours and/or the presence of a new rash.
Who Is at Risk of Getting the Flu or Strep Throat?
Strep throat – Anyone can get strep throat, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of getting this common infection. Strep throat is more common in children than adults. It is most common in children 5 through 15 years old. It is very rare in children younger than 3 years old.
Flu virus – Those at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications include people 65 years and older and individuals with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women and kids under the age of two.
Steps To Help Keep the Flu and Strep Throat Away
- Get vaccinated against the flu – we recommend getting vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated.
- Good hand hygiene – Continue to practice good hand hygiene at home and in other environments like work and school. One of the best ways to protect yourself against strep throat is to wash your hands often.
- Mask wearing – If gathering in large crowds or crowded places, it is still advisable to wear a face mask.
As always, if you believe you have the flu or strep throat stay at home and isolate for a few days. Return to normal activities once symptoms are resolved.
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.htmlhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm#
Emergency in Houston?
Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston ER for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our houston emergency room locations: Willowbrook ER, Heights ER, or Summerwood ER.
Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston ER for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our houston emergency room locations: Willowbrook ER, Heights ER, or Summerwood ER.
