Sore throat season is here—and not every sore throat needs antibiotics. Some are caused by viruses (which won’t respond to antibiotics), while others may be strep throat, which does require treatment to prevent complications.

Knowing the difference can help you feel better faster and avoid unnecessary medications.

Common Symptoms of a Viral Sore Throat (Most Common)

A viral sore throat often happens along with other “cold-like” symptoms and usually improves with time and supportive care.

Viral sore throat symptoms may include:

• Runny/stuffy nose
• Cough
• Hoarseness
• Sneezing
• Mild fever (sometimes)
• Mild body aches
• Gradual onset

✅ Most viral sore throats improve within 3–7 days.

Common Symptoms of Strep Throat

Strep throat is caused by bacteria (Group A Streptococcus) and often has a more specific symptom pattern.

Strep throat symptoms may include:

• Sudden sore throat that feels severe
• Painful swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen/tender lymph nodes in the neck
• Red/swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches)
• No cough (commonly)
• Headache or stomach pain (especially in kids)

⚠️ Strep can spread easily in households, schools, and workplaces.

Quick Tip: When It’s Less Likely to Be Strep

If you have a sore throat with cough + congestion + runny nose, it’s more likely viral.

That doesn’t mean you can’t feel miserable—it just means antibiotics usually aren’t the answer.

How to Treat a Sore Throat at Home

If symptoms are mild, supportive care can help a lot:

✅ Hydration + rest
✅ Warm fluids (tea/broth)
✅ Salt-water gargles
✅ Throat lozenges
✅ Honey for cough (adults + kids over age 1)
✅ OTC pain/fever relief (as appropriate)

When to Seek Medical Care

Reach out for evaluation if you have:

🚩 Fever lasting more than 48–72 hours
🚩 Severe throat pain or worsening symptoms
🚩 White patches on tonsils
🚩 Swollen lymph nodes + no cough
🚩 Trouble swallowing saliva
🚩 Signs of dehydration
🚩 Symptoms lasting longer than 7 days
🚩 Recurrent sore throats

🚨 Go to urgent/emergency care immediately if you have difficulty breathing, drooling, inability to swallow, or severe neck swelling.

How TNT Med Services Can Help

If you’re unsure whether it’s viral or strep, TNT Med Services can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the next best step.

✅ Quick assessment for sore throat symptoms
✅ Guidance on safe symptom relief
✅ Treatment recommendations when appropriate
✅ Work/school notes if needed

Don’t guess—get clarity and relief.

Schedule your visit today:
➡️ www.tntmedservices.com