Throat Herpes vs Strep throat

Throat herpes vs strep throat

Two of the most prominent infections affecting the throat and the mouth are throat herpes and strep throat. Although these conditions have similarities in terms of the area of infection and how they mimic each other, they still have significant differences that every individual should know of. These differences can cover their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What are the significant differences between throat herpes and strep throat?

Also known as herpes esophagitis, herpes in the throat refers to a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of the virus – HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both of these types can bring about cases of herpes throat with symptoms that can be painful and burdensome.

On the other hand, strep throat is a bacterial infection identified by soreness and itchiness. Although this infection occurs to anyone, it is most common in children. Without proper treatment, the condition can lead to kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. The main antagonist that causes this infection is a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes.

Symptoms:

The list includes the most common symptoms of oral herpes throat..

• The development of open sores in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Mouth and throat inflammation
• Pain in the chest
• Pain in the joints
• Fever or chills
• A general feeling of sickness
• These are also the most typical symptoms associated with strep throat:
• Pain in the throat
• Painful swallowing
• Swollen tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Rashes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Body pain

Diagnosis:

In diagnosing throat herpes, healthcare professionals follow a procedure called endoscopy. The process involves using a small camera that goes down the esophagus and examines the tract for damage that the virus causes. Healthcare professionals also use throat swabs that help detect the presence of the herpes simplex virus in the organ.

On the other hand, diagnosing strep throat is easier than throat herpes. The most common method to analyze the infection is rapid antigen detection testing (RADT). It also involves using a throat swab to detect the presence of Streptococcus pyogenes and test it for further analysis.

Herpes throat treatment

Treating oral herpes also involves the usage of antiviral drugs. These are the same drugs prescribed for cold sores and genital herpes, including acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. If the painful sensation is too much, over-the-counter painkillers are also available to reduce the discomfort and inflammation happening in the throat.

Strep throat can lead to severe health conditions if mistreated. The main treatment form for strep throat is using antibiotics. The healthcare professional prescribes oral antibiotics to subdue the severity of the symptoms and lessen the risk of complications. Over-the-counter pain relievers are also available to reduce the pain, such as Tylenol, Advil, and Motrin IB.

What’s the Kangaroo Takeaway here?

As you learn about herpes in the throat vs strep infection, it is necessary to understand the severity of the conditions. Keep an eye on their distinct symptoms as they can help you differentiate them. Learning how these infections react can help you quickly diagnose and administer the proper treatment with antiviral for herpes.