Is a Sore Throat Contagious
We’ve all experienced a sore throat, but it can be tricky to determine whether it’s caused by a virus or bacteria. This can make choosing the right treatment confusing. Understanding whether your sore throat is contagious is also important, especially for preventing the spread to others.
The difference between sore throat and strep throat
A sore throat can have various causes, but strep throat is a specific type caused by the Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads through airborne droplets, such as when someone coughs, sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces.
On the other hand, viral sore throats, like those caused by the common cold, are also contagious but differ in symptoms and treatment. Unlike bacterial infections like strep throat, viral sore throats won’t respond to antibiotics.
Contagious vs. Noncontagious sore throat causes
While the common cold or flu causes most sore throats, several other potential causes exist. According to Healthline, sore throats can be grouped into two categories: contagious and noncontagious.
Other Symptoms to Expect
Sore throats often come with other symptoms, depending on the cause. You might experience:
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Runny nose
- Hoarseness
- Swollen tonsils or neck glands
- White spots on the throat or tonsils
- Abdominal pain and vomiting (most often in children)
Home remedies for sore throat
Once a patient is diagnosed with a sore throat, their care provider may recommend some at-home remedies and appropriate medications.
- Gargling with warm salt water (a 1:5 ratio of salt to water) can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
- Medicated throat lozenges
- Throat sprays with phenol
- Warm liquids like honey and lemon tea or broth
- Warm or cool mist using a humidifier
Some patients opt for over-the-counter pain relievers to ease body aches. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider about the safety of any medication for your condition.
How long does a sore throat last:
The length of a sore throat depends on its underlying cause. There are two types to consider:
- Acute pharyngitis: This sore throat usually lasts 3 to 10 days. Most sore throats fall into this category and are caused by viral or bacterial infections. With proper care, symptoms usually resolve within a week.
- Chronic pharyngitis: A sore throat that persists for more than 10 days or recurring after improvement is considered chronic. This type is often linked to ongoing irritants like allergies, acid reflux, or environmental factors rather than infections.
If you’re experiencing strep throat or other sore throat symptoms, visit DOC-AID Urgent Care. No appointment is necessary, and walk-in patients are welcome. We understand your time is valuable, so we strive to keep wait times minimum. However, if you prefer to plan, you can easily reserve a spot online for convenience. Our team is here to provide the care you need so you can feel better as soon as possible.
